Jason, I'm pretty much in agreement with the previous replies. In particular, the reason why a combination CD/DVD player does just as well with CDs as a CD only player is that it has a dual laser which is optimum for playing both CDs(780nm wavelength)and DVDs(650nm).

As far as DACs, at this point they're excellent and are available to manufacturers in OEM quantities for as little as $1 each. Any differences between them now, while measurable, would be unlikely to be audible.

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Enjoy the music, not the equipment.