"budget" CDP/DAC upgrade

[brad1138]

The last place I need to upgrade for my 2 chan system is the CD Player/DAC. I am very happy with my Pre amp, amp & speakers. I am just using a standard 5 disc Sony CDP as the transport and a Soundstream DAC-1, which is a mediocre DAC, but still better than what the Sony has. From reviews I have read it is better than built in DACs in Yamaha & lower end Denon.

I have heard a lot of good (if not great) things about the OPPO bdp-83, that might be better quality for CDs even w/o a separate DAC, or if needed, with a separate DAC. I would be able to utilize its BluRay abilities also, right now I use my PS3 for my BDP.

I would probably like to find something used, to save money, but what do you guys think?

Thanks,
Brad

 

[mtrycrafts]

The last place I need to upgrade for my 2 chan system is the CD Player/DAC. I am very happy with my Pre amp, amp & speakers. I am just using a standard 5 disc Sony CDP as the transport and a Soundstream DAC-1, which is a mediocre DAC, but still better than what the Sony has. From reviews I have read it is better than built in DACs in Yamaha & lower end Denon.

I have heard a lot of good (if not great) things about the OPPO bdp-83, that might be better quality for CDs even w/o a separate DAC, or if needed, with a separate DAC. I would be able to utilize its BluRay abilities also, right now I use my PS3 for my BDP.

I would probably like to find something used, to save money, but what do you guys think?

Thanks,
Brad

If or when you have a need for a BD player, the Oppo 83 seems to be a very nice player and will do well with Cds too. Not sure if there are any used ones yet though. Or, even a less expensive BD player will do you well, like a Panny 60?
I doubt replacing your Sony CD player will gain you anything. Since you have a external DAC it seems the 5 disc player has a digital output? If so, does your preamp have a DAC? Use it. Can that PS3 take a digital input from the player? I would not be infatuated with external DACs. No mystery to them.

 

[brad1138]

If or when you have a need for a BD player, the Oppo 83 seems to be a very nice player and will do well with Cds too. Not sure if there are any used ones yet though. Or, even a less expensive BD player will do you well, like a Panny 60?
I doubt replacing your Sony CD player will gain you anything. Since you have a external DAC it seems the 5 disc player has a digital output? If so, does your preamp have a DAC? Use it. Can that PS3 take a digital input from the player? I would not be infatuated with external DACs. No mystery to them.

Yes the Sony has optical out which runs to my DAC, the preamp has no built in DAC. I use Audioquest Ruby interconnects from the DAC to Preamp to Amp.

I am just looking for the best sound/performance for my price range (probably about $500) If it is a used stand alone piece or separate transport/DAC it doesn't matter. Some one on a different site recommended a used Rega, after Googling those, they do look nice.