APL NWO2.5 ?

The inverse is just as true. Moreso if you ask me.

This may be true but you will have to spend substantial amount of money on downstream components while still not sure if they will truly reveal the source capabilities. The NWO-2.5 is also capable of simplifying things by proving a preamp redundant, especially with the upcoming Wi-Fi and Analog input options. So I think it would be a better idea building up on a solid base instead of starting from the roof.

Just IMO!

Regards,
Alex

Alex
I tried to compare NWO-2.5 with or without passing through my pre-amplifier (tubed, famous brand). My pre-amp just restricted performance of NWO on transparency and dynamics. It is very sad that I have to retire my pre-amp from the system.

"Buy the best source first and then work back towards the speakers. Only then can you know for sure how up to snuff the rest of your gear really is."

I agree with Drubin & Alex as well. Garbage in, garbage out. Each improvement to my modded CDP & upgrade to Vinyl in my system has revealed unanticipated refinement in existing downstream components & quieted the upgrade itch for a time. After you're done with the front end, you'll ID for certain what needs attention elsewhere.

Also, it's better to compare CDPs to the constant yardstick of great vinyl rather than to a another CDP. Having recently substantially upgraded both my vinyl rig and my modded SCD-1, I'm at the point that the best RBCD and hi-end vinyl is very close to a toss-up. If as reported the NWO2.5 RBCD is edging out great vinyl then it's one hot ticket. I'm curious which hi-end TT's and phono stages have been equalled by NWO2.5 RBCD.

I'm curious which hi-end TT's and phono stages have been equalled by NWO2.5 RBCD.

As reported by the owners, the NWO-2.5 equaled and sometimes outperformed the following vinyl setups:

1. Teres 360/Shroeder Reference/Lyra Olympus/Artemis PL-1

2. SME30/SME5/Kondo IO-J/Kondo phono pre.

Regards,
Alex

I agree with Drubin & Alex as well.

Actually, I'm on the other side, as it were.