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Optimizing my CD Source - what to do?

I've been following multiple threads on the topic of "Best CD Player for under $1000, or $1500, or (insert your budget here)", or similar.

I really need some assistance with the following questions:

If my budget is $1500 (preferably closer to $1000), and I'm interested primarily in Redbook playback -

1) Will my money produce real, obvious benefit over other players I've tried (see below), and the Sony DVP NC555es 5 disc SACD changer I'm currently using?

2) I'm running an Audio Mirror D2 NOS DAC; will I be just as well off getting a lesser player, or transport that has less in the way of processing but presumeably a comparable transport? For example, would the Rega Planet perform just as well as the Jupiter if I'm using the AM DAC?

3) I'm considering Rega Jupiter or Apollo, Musical Fidelity A3.2, Meridian 502.24. Any recommendations?

Backgound:
- My system consists of a Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista preamp, B&K M200 Sonata amplifiers, Totem Mani-2, Rel Storm III sw, various IC's, PS Audio statement spk cables, Pink Triangle 'table w/AQ PT6 arm, Grado Reference Sonata cart.

- I have tried multiple single disk players, including NAD C541i, Denon DVD2200 univ/sacd player, Sony DVP s7700, and none of them materially (indeed noticeably) outperformed my Sony DVP NC555es 5 disc SACD changer (ie on red book)
bdgregory
clio09
3,355 posts
 
You have a great DAC that does redbook extremely well, very analog like presentation. You could do what I did and stand pat, using your existing player as a transport, while sending the AM off to TRL for their mods. TRL has done a couple of AM DACs and the results are pretty amazing. You can read my review where I compared the TRL modded AM to a stock one I had (the D1, not D2 though).

Another option would be to get a really good transport. If you go used, you could find a pretty good one. There are occasionally some CEC transports that come up in your price range. Now that would be an interesting combination to hear, CEC and AM. Also, some Pioneer players are less expensive and are known for their excellent transports. With the extra money you could improve your digital cable.
matrix
305 posts
 
Rega is a good piece, but not necessary for a transport, there are better.. Even a solid cheap single disc sony can sound as good for the transport duty.. But yeah keep that DAC its excellent, I have used Wadia, Sony, Pioneer, and teac transports on it. The Wadia was very good, but a Sony former flagship built like a tank DVD player was just as good for far less money! Gotta experiment a little, but the Rega is a choice that I have heard as a transport and was nice, but not better, if you buy a rega it would be to use it as a standalone player to at least get the benifit of the rega sound which is pretty good, you will not be benefiting using it as a transport in this case... But the DAC-Ah blows them away so just go for a resonable cost player for transport duties.
__-- Sorry just re-read your post and saw the Sony DVP s7700 listed, that is not a good player, but is a great transport, so if you did not try that on the DAC or don't own it anymore obviously you might not want to buy one back, but I did!
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
Parasound 2000 series transport,with some extra isolation and a good digital cable.
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
Have you considered using a stand alone transport with your D2 instead of a CDP? I'm using a Theta Pearl trasnport with my Audio Mirror D1, and while I haven't tried a CDP with the D1, I know some people might think it better to use a dedicated transport instead of a CD or DVD player.
listener57
730 posts
 
Two ways to improve cd playback are to add the Genesis Digital Lens, which often yields results as if you modded the CDP/transport (before you actually take the step of modding), and use for digital IC the micro-priced Auricle Audio Design Encore Signature digital IC from Audiogon member, Joemazzaglia. The increase in detail (actually, the increase in "everything") delivered through your DAC with this unique digital IC is usually a desirable and significant upgrade.
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