Quote:
Originally posted by Jason J:
I just wanted to add one little thought to your discussion.

It sounds, pardon the pun, like you have auditioned quite a few different DACs in your system. In my experience, the change to my system that impressed me the most was adding in a separate CD transport. I got very lucky and was able to get my hands on an Altis CDT I transport. The difference between using the Altis versus my Sony DVD/SACD player, just as a transport, was jaw-dropping. My system sounds completely different with just changing that one component.

Here's a link to a review that I read recently about a lower priced CD player/transport that reviewed favorably compared to some more expensive competition. (I have no experience with the piece mentioned so your experience may vary.)

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0607/cec_cd3300r.htm
Jason,

Thanks for the link. I suspect it is a bit of everything. Yes, I did have a chance to listen to a number of DACs in my system but that was with a Parasound AVC-1800 processor prior to me purchasing the Outlaw 990. When I used my Sony 200 disc megachanger as the transport, every external DAC I used had a different sonic signature that sounded better than the Sony by itself. It was when I tried my Oppo 970, I didn't hear a distinct difference until trying the CIA or Benchmark. There is something to be said when using a good transport in one's system. I just wonder if the Outlaw's DACs are the sonic equivalent of the CIA which would explain why I do not hear any difference between the two. This would make the Outlaw 990 an even better value than it already is.