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  3. 1039709747

Improve the sound of my CD Player?

I have a Marantz 67SE going to my Lexicon DC1, I’m using the digital out because the DC1 converts everything to digital anyway. From what I’ve read here, and other places, I should do other things first before getting a new transport. This is where I am looking for help, what can I do to improve the sound of my system – short of replacing the DC1, (don’t want to spend that kind of money yet). If I get an inexpensive DAC I assume I will have to have the analog output go to my amps (Monarchy Deluxe 100) because sending it to the DC1 will defeat the purpose of the DAC. If I do this I would guess the DAC would have to have a volume control. I do not have much experience with 2 channel so any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,
Phil
pj5648
ljgj
955 posts
 
I went to the Audio Advisor site and did not see any device by Audio Research of a similar nature. If you are referring to the TDS unit that changes the harmonics and comes in two versions - I am familiar with the TDS Audiophile version. I owned one. It does give you a definite night and day difference in sound but not all for the better in my opinion. It also introduces noise into the system by boosting various frequency levels to bring forward a brighter and more forward sound that I am sure some people may like. I did not.
tarsando
578 posts
 
Ljgj--Acoustic Research,,,not Audio Research, but thanks--and I think I am confused--I figured TDS and Taddeo were the same company or process, but you distinguish between the two. So it was the Acoustic Research TDS unit at Audio Advisor that I was asking you about and if I am getting this right (I hope!) you are saying TDS and Taddeo are not the same thing, and Taddeo is good (basically) and TDS is a mixed bag. Thanks for the clarification and saving me a mistaken purchase!
ljgj
955 posts
 
Sorry - yes it is a newer version of the TDS unit I had. it will definitely make a huge sound difference in your system than the Taddeo. You may like it - I thought it did too much messing with the frequency curve for my taste. It use to sell for 199 and 350 I believe in another double version. For 49 it may appeal to you if you can send it back if it doesn't. The taddeo is a lot more tame.
jrwr7
211 posts
 
Hey Phil,

I had a similar situation with my system. I was using my Pioneer Elite DVC-36 for both DVD and CD playback and I felt I was missing something. I posted the same question as you and got some very helpful tips. The one that stands out the most, for your case, is you mention running a digital cable out of your CDP and letting your Lex do the D to A. I was doing the same thing but I went and bought a CD only player (Metronome CD2V Signature). I hook it up to my Krell HTS-1 and I heard a difference but I was not satisfied, especially for the money I'd spent on the CDP. Then it was suggested to me to run analog cables from the CDP to the pro and low and behold, it sounded much better. My CDP up samples to 24/192 and the dac in the Krell does 24/96. I know, I'm processing the sound twice and that is an issue I will address when I upgrade to the Krell Showcase. In spite of the double processing, it sounds better then letting the Krell handle the D to A it self. Just a suggestion I got a while back that I thought you might find helpful. Good luck and happy holidays......John
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