[StevenTam]

I am planning to upgrade my desktop audio (HDP + Active Speaker) to Hi-End source component such as CDP-8 and DAC-9. However, I am confused adding a DAC-9 will be sufficient upgrade the CDP-8 as the DA-part in CDP-8 is already a very nice DAC.

One more question is about the USB section is DAC-9, it seems perform a downgrade level compared to other digital inputs but USB DAC is one of my major concern for finding my new DAC.

Get either or both? I have no idea...
Please advise...

[nuforce-casey]

We do feel using a DAC9 with CDP8 provides has tangible improvements.  On the USB option on DAC9, it's upgradeable, although most source material we are aware of at 96kHz sounded fabulous.  We are working on a 192kHz capable solution, but there are some engineering hurdles so they did not make it when the DAC9 was released, but it could be added as an option when it becomes available.

[StevenTam]

Thank you very much, casey.