Thanks Advent11 and Adasilva for the advice. I'm using a Virtual Dynamics pc and Finite Ceraballs with the Cary cdp. I've considered using a maple block underneath the cdp, but have also wondered how well a z-slab or a neuance shelf would work. |
I agree with Advent11, on the maple block. I've had good luck with the Audience powerCord. Either of these two tweeks would not require removing the top and give a noticable improvement. |
Can't speak to how much better or even if it would sound better with a mod. First place to start would be with a power cord upgrade and some vibration/isolation tweeks. I have both the 303/200 and 303/300 and found a 2-1/2" thick maple block with the FIM rollerballs underneath a nice improvement without a lot of cost. Vibrapods are also an inexpensive tweek to try and may work for you. |
Would the Cary 303/200 benefit from a mod and with what results? |
Yes, the Cary players sound very good!
Bill |
Ken, the money that you will spend on SonyDVP9000es
Modwright will bring you closer to some of the best
CDP under 10K.Get the BonModwright.Dan is also a very
nice person to deal with. |
If you get the Opus, I would highly recommend the Great Northern Sound modification package at some point down the road. I've lived with an unmodified Opus and an Ayre CX-7e in my system, and -IMHO of course- the GNSC Opus beats them hands down! The modified Opus is a much different animal in comparison to the stock version. |
A used Cary 303/200 or 306/200 have what you are looking for and are several steps above your current CDP. |
Cary 303/200 has digital in and out and volume control. Plus, it's a very nice player with lots of well-earned reviews. Used around $1500 or a little less. |
Mine was the newer CDP. I guess it is all about system/room matching. In my home and with my gear it was fast, nice punch and extended at both frequency extremes. It lacked emotion, meat and body however and left me cold.
Dali Grand speakers
CJ MV60 amp
Direct into the amp!
Bill |
Accuphase is beautiful to look at, and that's about it. Don't be fooled by the old posts here about Accuphase, the RA Opus 21 absolutely smokes them all......I have done the A/B myself. |
Hey Bill,
I don't doubt your ears, but I did want to verify that you were talking about the newer Quad 99 CDP, not the older Quad 99 (non CDP version). They are completely different players.
I found the Quad tremendously engaging, especially at its price. I actually replaced the RA Opus 21 with the Quad 99 CDP in a cost cutting move and I thought it gave up very little.
Enjoy,
TIC |
I have also owned the Quad and Opus 21. I loved the Opus 21, simply world class and among the best. I did not like the Quad at all. For me it was a huge bummer!No real body or soul - sounded like a stereo, not music.
The Muse Thalia used or Model 11 Sig used is also very good.
Just my impressions in my system.
Bill |
I agree with Mijknarf. The RA Opus 21 is a fantastic CD player and it has the features you need. It is $2500 +/- about $100 for a nice newer used one.
Another good choice for a lot less money is the Quad 99CDP cd player. It is also a great sounding player, especially considering its $1500 MSRP. It has an excellent remote controlled analog volume control and has 6 digital inputs. It sells for about $800 +/- $100 for an excellent used one.
I've owned both of the above and hardily recommend both in their respective price ranges. The Opus 21 is a little better overall, but the Quad is a better value.
Enjoy,
TIC |
I moved from a Jolida JD100 to the RA Opus 21 over a year ago and I'm not looking back. The Jolida was a nice player in my system, but after A/B comparisons in my livingroom with both players, I chose the Opus based on clarity and features. $2500 sounds about right for a used Opus with new quiet transport and direct track access on remote. Good luck. |
