2. amps-preamps
  3. 1055047178

source disappointment

I have built a system that I would guess is fairly revealing(in my limited experience), and have begun experimentation with the CD Source.

Signal Cable Analog 2
Cary SLP 88 pre
Zcable Live V3
Cary 2A3 se monoblocks
Elco Sti-2b Silver Bi-wire (used as single for soliloquys)
Soliloquy 2A3 monitors

Sennheiser HD590

I recently purchased a used Audio Note CD 2 to replace the use of my Panasonic XP50 DVD/DVD-A, player which I assumed was not much of a source, though it does have a remastering upsample feature.

In several extended listening sessions using various albums I have been unable to detect any sonic improvement offered by the Audio Note which I purchased because of their reputation for analog sound. I actually A/B'd a getz/gilberto cd I had two copies of, syncing both players up and using my Headphones, and I believe I prefered the Panasonic. During intermmitent audience applause on the disc, the Panasonic rendered a warmer and much wider soundstage.

Is this crazy?
wheeler
celtic66
1,670 posts
 
You need at least 2 weeks of listening to determine anything. Besides, the Audio Note can't be broken in by now and I'll bet it will come around be the unit you expected.
wheeler OP
16 posts
 
The Audio Note is actually 4-5 years old and was upgraded with NOS tubes by the original owner, so I am fortunate in that the break-in phenomenon should not be a factor here.

I can understand the concept of appreciating something over time, but I don't feel like I'm at the point yet where I'm searching for the last 1% of improvement. I'm still looking for leaps and bounds. Like the difference that I hear when donning the Sennheisers and discovering subtle echos in the room where the music was recorded.

I think I'll try again with a 2003 CDP - Arcam maybe, and see if the DAC technology is the reason.
zonus
41 posts
 
wheeler, trust your ears. if you feel you like your old panasonic better so be it. i have done the same thing as you. if you wait a while you will just acclimate yourself to the new sound....whether it is better or not......you are the only one to decide what is better. and better is what YOU like....
hdm
1,062 posts
 
Newer, cheaper digital is getting better all the time. People should realize that with respect to digital, they are essentially buying a computer; one that, unfortunately will be well on its way to obsolesence in 6 months to a year. I've written about this here a number of times, but will simply repeat it. Almost 3 years ago, I sold an Arcam Alpha 8SE CD player. What did I replace it with? An RCA 5223P DVD player (which I still use today). The RCA (which I understand is Panasonic based and quite reasonably built-more solid than almost any of today's DVD players) simply sounded better. If I was to buy something today, I'd probably look at the Philips 963SA-a serious bang for the buck well under $400. Unless you have an outrageously expensive system and the room to go with it, along with tremendously deep pockets, I think that digital front ends are at the absolute top of the list in terms of diminishing returns in this hobby.
jeffcott
143 posts
 
Wheeler:
IMO, the remarks made above all have the ring of truth and the wisdom of experience.
In my experience in the last two years, I have moved from an HT environment to a music environment. I have cycled thru a number of pieces, within my limited budget. I have taken the approach of focusing on the front end first. I am using MLs, and am using an Audio Logic DAC.
After acquiring the AL DAC, I used a number of pieces as transports and was disappointed that I heard no differences that seemed to me to be significant. Then I had the fortune to get a CEC TL2 Transport. I now know that the transport CAN make a difference.
The advice from Hdm is IMO spot on. The Philips 963SA IS a terrific piece for the money. I recently purchased one for the DVD player and for my first taste of SACD. For the $, this piece is amazing.
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