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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
wellfed's avatar
wellfed
690 posts
 
I find many times that I need to adjust to the change in perspective that a new component brings, before appreciating some upgrades. Many times I have wondered "what was I thinking" after finally appreciating the superiority of the new component, which many times has been radical.

Give it some time, you may prefer the Audio Note after the adjustment. I suspect another factor that may be at work is that digital is improving, in part due to newer and better DAC chips, so I wouldn't rule out the Panasonic being the better unit either, if it has newer technology.

It won't take long to decide which approach you like the best.
celtic66
1,715 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....
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