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Replace CDP or Ride out with Existing?

Hello,

I have been reading more forums and researching more then ever on this topic.

I have a Sony DVP 9000ES with some Modright mods (not the tube mods). All together I have $1900 sunk in this thing which I purchased in 2001 I think.

I have the itch to replace it with something better and dedicated to redbook CD playback as that is all I use it for. My itch is fueled by the quest for best sound to me.

My system consists of:

Bryston 4B SST Pro amp
Bryston BP-20 Pre with internal DAC option
Paradigm Studio 20 version 5 Speakers.

I have been toying with the idea of a Cyrus CDT or CDXT-SE2 but in some ways I would feel stupid spending that much bank here now in the digital streaming network player age but I don't forsee myself ripping my extensive cd collection to disk and then having to back it up etc.

so could I harvest more sound from a newer cd transport or should I stick it out with my modded 9000ES?

Thanks!
photonman
erndog's avatar
erndog
261 posts
 
Photonman,
I'm using a fully loaded Empirical Off Ramp 4 that I bought used. I've used it with 3 different dacs so far and it has significantly improved what ever I use it with. Here's what it did:

- Gave more weight to the music
- Widened the sound stage
- More extension to the highs and low end
- Lots more clarity. It is removing smearing that was occurring that I didn't realize was happening.

I've never heard the BADA or the Art Deco, so can't comment on those.
Ernie
photonman OP
96 posts
 
I am thinking maybe a USB Dac like the Chordette QuteHD.

Then I ride out my current Sony CDP with this upgraded DAC and at the same time give myself the ability to try out the computer audio thing

still thinking...
erndog's avatar
erndog
261 posts
 
Excellent choice. The Chord sounds like vinyl.
mesch
3,510 posts
 
I believe that upgrading to a stand alone DAC and using the sony as a transport is sound advise. I have a disk player however have found that computer audio input can be as good or better for Redbook CD. If considering using a USB/SPDIF converter, get a DAC that has desired input for computer and disk player.
listener57
730 posts
 
There are a number of ways to allow for better "reading" of the information by your (old school) CD player.

The benefits in sound reproduction are easily heard, and sometimes startlingly better, simply from applying an anti-static spray -- I use Sonic Tonic from Machina Dynamica, on the label side of the physical CD media.

With more than a thousand CD's owned, I have upgraded the listening experience without changing my transport which is the venerable slightly modified JVC XLZ-1050TN CD player. I also treated with the same anti-static spray every interconnect and speaker wire of the system to enhance both CD and analog vinyl performance.

Additionally, attaching Codenamed Turquoise color strips to the CD tray helps by absorbing scattered laser light, without having to color the edges or label surface of each individual CD with any color marker.

Once you satisfy yourself that you have made major improvement with so little effort, there will probably be a yen to alter the support under your CDP and DAC components, and on and on, fully exploiting the capabilities of what you already own.
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