24 bit DAC chips in CD players? CD upgrade advice?

[Kindguy]

Just curious how this works? Is it the same concept as a Mini DAC or other DAC units but built in the cd player?

I was looking at buying a Cambridge Audio/Azur 640c CD player

Does anyone else run one of these?

A quote from Azur on the unit....I'd appreciate any thoughts on this player. Or other CD players I should look into.

azur 640C
Compact Disc Player

The remote controlled flagship 640C design proves that stereo compact disc still has plenty more to offer music lovers.

The design builds on the features provided by the 540C, but includes a superior Wolfson WM8740 24-bit/192kHz DAC, powered by a completely separate power supply and upgraded audio filter and regulator stages.

Thanks to these features the 640C offers incredibly low distortion and excellent signal to noise ratio. The result is the delivery of a huge dynamic range and a wonderfully clear, clean sound.

[Kindguy]

BTW I just picked up a pair of Polk audio RTi8's. Hope i made the right decision. Listened to them in the sound room forever. The guy kept coming back & I think he got pissed it was taking so long.  

[scervin]

Where did you get the Polks??  There are many other great speakers in that price point.  What else did you listen to and what made you decide on them.

[Nick's Picks]

that CA deck looks pretty sweet.  i've read lots of good things about those.

as to your question, yes...the DAC in a cd player is not all unlike a stand alone DAC.  Think of it as the ADC/preamp in a DAT deck.  They are there...but they are certainly not as nice as HQ outboard gear.  Sort of the same boat when it comes to playback gear too.

[Kindguy]

Where did you get the Polks??  There are many other great speakers in that price point.  What else did you listen to and what made you decide on them.

I got them from a local shop in town called Cohan's. The sicker price was 865 for the pair. I got them for 750.

I couldn't believe the clean thumping bass that came from these. Then I threw in some James Taylor & A Jerry Solo &  was blown away. I never knew how much my current speakers sucked!

I listened to a lot of brands. & almost chose a pair of Acoustic energy Ageis Eo 3's (i think) for 650.

The Polks just grabbed me from the get go.

[Kindguy]

also t+ nick thats what I thought.

[super-phat-al]

+T on the polks.  I usually go with the polks or the klipsch.  

[leegeddy]

+T on the polks.  I usually go with the polks or the klipsch.  

guys, have you heard a pair of B&W's that are in the similar price range?  

marc