CD and player help

[Zman2k2]

So I've recently rescued my CD collection from the basement. I usually buy CD's and rip them to iTunes. But I've been missing the clarity you get from CD's over mp3's lately. Now it's been quite a while since I've played CD's and I don't even have a dedicated CD player anymore. To fill the gap, I'm currently using my XBox360 as a player. My question is for those in the know, am I missing out on some clarity and sound using the XBox over a dedicated player? Would a DVD player work as a dedicated unit, or is a real CD player the only way to go?

Thanks for the responses, and I'm sure more questions will arise.

[naturephoto1]

What is your budget and do you want to play anything besides CDs and DVDs?

Rich

[Zman2k2]

I could probably spend in the neighbourhood of $500. I haven't really considered SACD or DVD-A. To be honest, the prices of SACD's kind of turns me off of them right now. So let's just say that CD's and DVD's are all I'd be spinning for now.

[Zman2k2]

What would you say to either of these options here.
Pioneer DV-49AV Player
Oppo DV-980H Player
Either one of these options would give me the benefit of being able to play both SACD and DVD-A over HDMI, and I have read through my receiver manual, and it can handle DSD over HDMI. So I could play standard CD's, DVD's, SACD's and DVD-A's all through one machine. I guess that would cover all the bases.

What do you think?

[PH3AR]

CD Player would be cheapest option!

[supersix4]

I actually really have come to like Itunes+ music.

[JJ]

Zman, the Pioneer 48 has better DACs than the 49. If you can find one somehow, get it. I'm trying to find one now as well.

[Zman2k2]

Originally Posted by supersix4

I actually really have come to like Itunes+ music.

I do too. I rip all my CD's to iTunes, put it on my phone, and use it in my truck. But when I'm at home, I like the extra bit that seems to be missing from AAC files. It's hard to explain.

Originally Posted by PH3AR

CD Player would be cheapest option!

True, but why limit myself? If down the road I'd get into SACD's and DVD-A's I have the ability. At least that's how I'm justifying it to my wallet.

Originally Posted by JJxiv1215

Zman, the Pioneer 48 has better DACs than the 49. If you can find one somehow, get it. I'm trying to find one now as well.

The 48! I'm having trouble finding somewhere in Canada that carries the 49! If I could find either though, I'd be a happy camper for sure.