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Add DAC to Philips 963sa or Arcam DV-88P ???

I apologize in advance for the length of this post, but I really need your opinions here --

My setup: I have a both a Philips DVD-963SA SACD/CD/DVD player and an Arcam DV-88P CD/DVD player. I use them for ALL formats listed - SACD & CD for music and DVD for movies. I listen primarily to fusion jazz, blues & rock. I only have a couple SACD's to play so far.

They feed :
-Anthem AVM-20 pre/pro
-Pass Labs X-250 & X-3 amps
-Martin Logan Aerius i/Cinema/Stylos spkrs (currently - see below)
-Martin Logan Descent sub (using low-level inputs from the preamp for 2-chnl AND LFE)

NOTE - I will be receiving a pair of Talon Raven 2002 speakers with CMRC crossover upgrades very shortly, to replace the Aerius as front mains. I know - this is a BIG change, replacing limited-range stat hybrids with full-range dynamic box speakers - we'll see how this goes...

My Questions:

--Should I add a quality DAC to either or both of these sources?

--Which player would make a better transport for use with a dedicated DAC? I understand that DVD players inherently make good transports, but have also heard rumors that neither of these particular players work that well in this respect.

--Should I forgo adding a DAC, sell one player and use that cash to simply upgrade to a better one-box CD player, leaving DVD duties to the remaining one? I am thinking most about a used Electrocompaniet EMC-1 24/192, but would consider others ($2300 or less).

--Given my configuration, would it be best to get a DAC/player with remote-controlled volume and connect it DIRECTLY into the balanced inputs on the Pass X-250 amp, leaving the RCA's to connect the amp to the pre/processor? This would eliminate the Descent sub from 2-channel use, but the Talons are supposedly terrific bass providers (rated to 17hz), so this may not matter. If so, which DAC/player would apply?

If I go the DAC route, here are my requirements:
-24/192K upsampling (or at least upgradability to that later)
-Home Theater digital pass-through
-Balanced outputs
-A NOTICEABLE upgrade in sound quality over my existing players

$1700.00 is about my limit (used or new), and I have so far researched the following:

-Pass Labs D-1 (which is only 24/96 at best and somewhat out of my price range)
-Electrocompaniet ECD-1
-Musical Fidelity 324
-Birdland Odeon Ag
-Perpetual P-3/P-1/Monolithic PS (Modwright Sig 1)
-Scott Nixon TubeDAC+

I know that I am all over the place with the options I am considering, but would appreciate some guidance from the 'goNNers here!

THANX!!
bhouser
ears
341 posts
 
I second modding the 963sa as a great choice.
As the first to try the Blackgate vk150/350v ps cap upgrade and post the info on 4 audio boards,I have had dozens of people email me and tell me that they can't believe the difference this one 23.00 cap makes.
Just think what full mods will do for the 963sa.
Another source for 963sa mods is www.asi-audio.com

Whoever you have mod it,you will have no regrets.
bhouser OP
112 posts
 

Hi Ears-

I have read much of the modding threads on AA, AgoN & such, with many posts from self-modders such as yourself. You have been very consistent in your enthusiasm for these mods, and I am definitely considering this route.

But the one thing I haven't heard much about is - How does a fully-modded 963 HONESTLY stack up on redbook against a Electocompaniet, Arcam, Audio Aero or Wadia players/DAC's? By the time you pay for the 963 player & full mods, you are within shouting distance of many of these great players (at least pre-owned). If you have any experience there, please let me know.

Also, has any definitive comparisons been done between ASI and tweakaudio mods of the 963?
ears
341 posts
 
I don't believe your going to be buying any of those particular players, except for the Arcam for anywhere near 1000.00-1100.00 used, which is about what you would have in the 963sa including purchase price after pro mods.
If you look on various boards, there are people who prefer the modded 963sa to the ML39,Sony 777 ect but your not likely to find anyone who owns the likes of Electrocompanient digital, buying a 963sa and having it modded, then again that player does not have SACD and these mods effect SACD as well as redbook.
As far as pro modders,which I am anything but,you need to talk to them as these are the only two pros that are currently modding the 963sa other than Audiocom, which would require shipment to Europe.
There is also a few agents of Allen Wright that will mod the 963sa,but I have heard of no feedback as of now.

One of the two mentioned modders prefers the modded 963sa to the a modded Marantz sa14 which costs almost 8 times the 963sa steet price.
The only player I have compared the 963sa is a Modwright 9000es level 2, and this particular player has Jensen and Blackgate caps with bybees ect, and may actually be a level 3...if not it is modified with the best caps available and is one of few level 2's whith these caps.
In comparing keep in mind that the 963sa in comparison had only dampening of the case and the Bg VK 150/350 ps cap as mods.
The 9000 sounds fantastic in comparison to stock as I owned this player when they first hit the shelves.
I prefer the redbook on the 963sa with a 23.00 mod as the soundstage is wider,and at times more defined.
The bass is better on the modded 9000 with redbook.
I prefer the Sacd playback on the modded 9000,especially the bass but again , the soundstage is not as wide as on the 963sa.
This was hardly a fair comparison as the 963sa was barely modded with one ps cap and some tweaks.
But this should give you an idea of the 963sa's potential whith full mods.
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