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Can anyone please recommend warm sounding transport/DAC to replace tubed cdp ?

System: Wells Majestic Integrated, Silverline 17.5 monitors, Jolida JD100 (modded). The upgrade itch has struck again, and I'm wondering about upgrading my source. Is it a fool's errand to seek a "similar-but-better" sound via a DAC (such as the Schiit Gungnir that's been described as "warm") plus a transport, such as a used PS Audio Perfect Wave ? 
stuartk
stuartk OP
3,059 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestions-- quite a few are new to me. 
rodge827's avatar
rodge827
621 posts
 
stuartk,
What tubed CD player are you replacing? Does it still work?
Perhaps look into having it upgraded or modded with a better clock, power supply, etc..

aniwolfe
761 posts
 
I replaced my tube cdp with a SimAudio 260d transport, Chord Qute Dac and a Empirical Audio BNC to BNC Digital Cable.

Call Steve Nugent at Empirical Audio and even if you don't buy the equipment I listed. Give that digital cable a shot. It was $250 and came with a 30 day money back. Best digital cable I have come across.
stuartk OP
3,059 posts
 
rodge827: I have a modded Jolida JD100. 

aniwolfe: thanks for the cable recommendation. I'm afraid the upgrades you describe are, collectively, beyond my $2500 budget. 
aniwolfe
761 posts
 
Well the dac you get used for around $600. Go to hifishark.com and type in Chord Qute hd. Also I highly recommend the MCRU Linear Power Supply. About $340. Here is a link below

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MCRU-FULLY-REGULATED-LINEAR-POWER-SUPPLY-FITS-CHORD-QUTEHD-EX-PEACH-DAC-/350591199458?hash=item51a0dd28e2:g:ysEAAMXQHO9ReOfG

As far as transport maybe check out the Cambridge CXC Brand New for only $400? Used PS Audio Perfect Waves for $1000 which you noted on your original post.

$250 for the Empirical Digital Cable (541) 595-1001 (a must) support@empiricalaudio.com
Thats about $2200 total with the Perfect Wave... $600 less with the CXC.
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