Is a Denon DCM 520 worth it?

[electricquad]

First the thrift store gaveth unto me an Onkyo Integra TX-65 for $10. Then it gaveth a set of Infinity Kappa 5.1 Series ii speakers for $25. Now it wants to give me a Denon DCM 520 cd player for $15 (haven't tested sound but everything seems to be working with CDs in it).

Is this worth it?

Do I just hook up the receiver's CD in to the CD player's fixed analog out and be done with it, or do I get a newer DAC and hook that up to the optical out on the CD player?

Do I wait for the thrift store to come up with something "better"?

Right now I am leaning towards, if it is still there when I go back I guess I have to buy it and figure out how I want it hooked up later.

 

[pskaudio]

For $15 the Denon is worth it if it works. Hook it up to the fixed outs and enjoy.

 

[rickb119]

Do I just hook up the receiver's CD in to the CD player's fixed analog out and be done with it, or do I get a newer DAC and hook that up to the optical out on the CD player?

Why not try both? Part of the fun of this hobby is trying different things.

I have a Denon DCM 450 (6 disc cartridge) that I prefer the sound of running through a Schiit Modi3 DAC. I also have an Onkyo that I run through a Schiit DAC. The outboard DAC's, on both, provide better detail and clarity than the DAC's in the players. At least to my ears. YMMV.

 

[electricquad]

So I went back and got the Denon (of course). It works fine. I will have to try out the outboard DACs after a while.