DAC and Importance of Transport

[admin_exported]

I have an Arcam DV88 that needs a new laser, and Arcam haven't got one and don't sound that hopeful of being able to find one. I used it as my main CD player, and also with a Cyrus AV5-based surround system.

Since my daughter arrived I rarely use the surround feature, so am planning to sell my AV5 and rear and centre power amps to fund a new my purchases, but what should I buy?

Given that I also have a DAB tuner and will probably add a modestly-priced DVD-player, should I go for a DAC (or a digital pre-amp such as the Cyrus DAC-XP), rather than a CD-player, to improve the sound from all three sources?

How important is the quality of the transport to the sound of a separate DAC? How would a budget (not from Asda, but maybe £150) DVD-player and a separate DAC compare with a DAC and a proper "transport", or a decent standalone CD-player, in terms of sound quality? It seems a more flexible option.

 

[Andrew Everard]

Bit scary that Arcam can't repair a DV88 already, but...

I'd buy a Marantz DV7001 to fulfill both functions, and stick with what you've got.

 

[Anonymous]

Yes - it does make you wonder whether you should spend any amount of money on hi-fi equipment if you can't be sure it's going to last more than five years.

Thanks for your advice - buying the Marantz DV7001 was my first thought, but I'm afraid that, as my listening room has turned into a playroom, and I'm not really that bothered about picture quality, I'm going back to stereo and getting a cheaper DVD player.

 

[Andrew Everard]

Well, there's always the £300 DV6001, very favourably reviewed in the new issue.

 

[Anonymous]

Marantz DV7001 is the What Hi-Fi Product of the Year in its class. I was interested in Marantz when they brought out the CD-63SE. Marantz was a market leader then . Glad to see them making a come back.

 

[Thaiman]

[quote user="BlueMax"]Glad to see them making a come back.[/quote]

They never been away! In fact in the last few years they build more quality hifi equipments more than the other.....My old mate Ken is getting old now, bless him