recommendation for CD player w/ built-in DAC

[spark1]

The OP stated that he is looking for a CD player.

To the OP; as has been explained here and in other threads you posted, if you just want to play CDs, all you need is a CD player. CD players include a DAC. Plug the CD player into your amp and music will come out of your speakers.

Some, but not many, CD players can also be used to convert digital information from another source, such as your computer, to analog. These players have a digital INPUT (usually USB), and are generally at the higher end of the market.

Another related device, as was mentioned above, is a CD transport unit. This component reads the CD, but DOES NOT convert it to analog. A transport, by definition, does NOT include a DAC. So, to put a transport to use, you would need a separate DAC.

This seems to be off-topic, as you stated that you are looking for "a CD player with built-in DAC".

 

[imral3]

I have 1st hand experience with the Cambridge Audio CXC (Transport)

http://audiokarma.org/forums/index....integrated-any-opinions.845416/#post-12399178

Appears to be well made and for the short listening session sounded good -- maybe a little pricey for what it is

Yes--the CXC, and I have one--all it is, is a drive unit with a digital out.

Googled this to see what it was and OMFG I love how they have labeled the I/O connections on the back of the unit:

 

[Djcoolray]

Onkyo 7030....

Amazing sound and amazing price, you just have to be patient with break in time if you buy it new. Incredible detail...

 

[StimpyWan]

Googled this to see what it was and OMFG I love how they have labeled the I/O connections on the back of the unit:
View attachment 1429445

Yea, but S/P Dif and Toslink aren't labeled upside down?

A number of companies used to do double labeling. Some Acurus and Aragon preamp used it. Very nice.

 

[twiiii]

Buying a separate DAC would allow you to get better performance and more choice of options, As things change buying a DAC is almost like buying a cartridge in the 60's and 70's. The technology changed all the time as did the formats. Same goes for DACS. Because digital is digital people assume anything Digital sounds the same. IT AIN'T SO!. The latest challenge for DACS is the USB connections, that are always changing with computers. AS my Computer is 40 ft from the sound system I either use Apple TV or Airport Express feeding my HT processor with either HDMI or optical. All three computers can be connected at one time or another.

 

[TomBig58]

OK. I'm a digital audio dummy, especially when it comes to formats and compatability. It seems all players with some versatility in the audio realm are rare and expensive. USB and wi-fi input units in the DVD realm are plentiful. How about something like this: It has respectable audio specs as near as I can tell
.
YAMAHA BD-S677:

https://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio_visual/blu-ray_players/bd-s677/index.html

and for fun you could add a mini monitor via the hdmi

https://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Mini-HD...177902?hash=item3fbb0db72e:g:yjUAAOSw4ohcMaVD

 

[spark1]

OK. I'm a digital audio dummy, especially when it comes to formats and compatability. It seems all players with some versatility in the audio realm are rare and expensive. USB and wi-fi input units in the DVD realm are plentiful. How about something like this: It has respectable audio specs as near as I can tell
.
YAMAHA BD-S677:

https://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio_visual/blu-ray_players/bd-s677/index.html

and for fun you could add a mini monitor via the hdmi

https://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Mini-HD...177902?hash=item3fbb0db72e:g:yjUAAOSw4ohcMaVD

Perhaps starting your own thread might be a more effective way to get answers/suggestions as regards your requirements, which appear to be quite different than the OP's.

 

[TomBig58]

Good point. In fact I kind of thought he maybe meant what I was looking for too....a CD player with a good enough DAC you could use for streaming also. I do thank everyone for the input. I'm always trying to edumacate myself on these matters.

 

[Hawkeye83]

I really like my Bel Canto CD2 but usually they're not exactly cheap (maybe you'll get lucky)

 

[E-Stat]

Cambridge has a CD player that does not have a DAC.

Actually, that is called a transport.

EMM Labs makes a really nice one, too.

 

[E-Stat]

AS my Computer is 40 ft from the sound system I either use Apple TV or Airport Express feeding my HT processor with either HDMI or optical.

Mine's even further and on a different floor. The ultraRendu endpoint connects to the music server via ethernet.

 

[StimpyWan]

....a CD player with a good enough DAC you could use for streaming also...

That's already been mentioned. You'd at least need a CD player with an USB input. Not cheap. You'd be better off buying a separate DAC, more suited to that purpose (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, multi-digital inputs, and maybe networking).

 

[Mojo Warrior]

I am also a fan of Sony CD/DVD players. Usually have the prefix of DOG or SACD. I believe the DAC is 24 bit.


Especially the ES Series

Check eBay

 

[StimpyWan]

OK. I'm a digital audio dummy, especially when it comes to formats and compatability. It seems all players with some versatility in the audio realm are rare and expensive. USB and wi-fi input units in the DVD realm are plentiful. How about something like this: It has respectable audio specs as near as I can tell
.
YAMAHA BD-S677:

https://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio_visual/blu-ray_players/bd-s677/index.html

and for fun you could add a mini monitor via the hdmi

https://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Mini-HD...177902?hash=item3fbb0db72e:g:yjUAAOSw4ohcMaVD

One other thought. Blu-Ray/DVD players are much more computerized than CD players. They have to be in order to handle audio and video content, copy protection, and video scaling. As such, a Blu-Ray player is more adaptable to networking and USB audio streaming. That's probably why you see these features on less expensive video players, and not on audio players. Computers aren't typically in the audio players. Heck, this cheap Sony Blu-Ray player has Wi-Fi and networking, for streaming.

BDP-S3700

One thing about the Cheap Sony; no analog outputs! To get those, you're back up to the $500 range. Notice a pattern?