the cd player i use is a five disc panasonic f-87. it has a cd mode and can output in 5 channel dvd-audio (24 bit) or in 2 channel cd audio (16 bit). it can also play hdcds but not sacds.

Audio Only mode (switches off video circuitry)

192kHz/24-bit audio D/A converter

audio signal-to-noise ratio 115 dB

price: was $350, got marked down to $130 over time.

you won't find a better dac, or a more affordable 5 disc player.

i send it out through the rca connections to a jvc amp, which is connected to kef corellis from the late 70s. it sounds spectacular.