Suggestions for integrated CD player vs CD transport + DAC?

cheeg
cheeg Posts: 11
in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
I'd like to replace my Panasonic CD/DVD player (which is fine for home theater) with a 2 or 2.1 channel player for music, and $400-700 is my preferred range. Any suggestions on the merits of a good integrated player vs a decent player (or transport) plus DAC? I've heard the Parasound DAC is good, and can be found used for $200-300. Here are a few possibilities I've considered for the CD player/transport:
1. Onkyo C7070 (using internal DAC): $700
2. Onkyo C7030 ($150)
3. NAD 516 BEE ($300)
4. Cambridge Audio Topaz CD10 ($300)
5. Marantz SA-KI Pearl Lite ($400)

Also, is it worth paying extra for SACD? I don't have any SACD discs now, and am not sure I will get any better sound from them than I would from a better quality CD player with a decent internal or external DAC.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts! Oh, here's my current system:
Parasound A2100 pre
McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe
Polk LSIM 7107s

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Comments

  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,645
    You will get better sound from SACD's, so get the Marantz.
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  • Mikey081057
    Mikey081057 Posts: 7,127
    My vote is for the Marantz too. I have been using one for years now.

    SACD's sound great
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  • Moose68Bash
    Moose68Bash Posts: 3,843
    You might have a look at this Cambridge Audio universal player. I've had great experience with Cambridge Audio products over the years, including customer support:

    https://www.audiogon.com/listings/blu-ray-universal-player-2017-11-26-home-theater
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