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Optimizing my CD Source - what to do?

I've been following multiple threads on the topic of "Best CD Player for under $1000, or $1500, or (insert your budget here)", or similar.

I really need some assistance with the following questions:

If my budget is $1500 (preferably closer to $1000), and I'm interested primarily in Redbook playback -

1) Will my money produce real, obvious benefit over other players I've tried (see below), and the Sony DVP NC555es 5 disc SACD changer I'm currently using?

2) I'm running an Audio Mirror D2 NOS DAC; will I be just as well off getting a lesser player, or transport that has less in the way of processing but presumeably a comparable transport? For example, would the Rega Planet perform just as well as the Jupiter if I'm using the AM DAC?

3) I'm considering Rega Jupiter or Apollo, Musical Fidelity A3.2, Meridian 502.24. Any recommendations?

Backgound:
- My system consists of a Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista preamp, B&K M200 Sonata amplifiers, Totem Mani-2, Rel Storm III sw, various IC's, PS Audio statement spk cables, Pink Triangle 'table w/AQ PT6 arm, Grado Reference Sonata cart.

- I have tried multiple single disk players, including NAD C541i, Denon DVD2200 univ/sacd player, Sony DVP s7700, and none of them materially (indeed noticeably) outperformed my Sony DVP NC555es 5 disc SACD changer (ie on red book)
bdgregory
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,443 posts
 
I typed in a nice reply with several suggestions for Bdgregory. It's been over an hour and now I don't know if it is still going to show up.

But, in any case to sum up what I wanted to say is that practically any good used cd player in the price range of $1500 to $2000 should outperform Audio Mirror D2. Should be a pretty noticible improvement.

I am certain that stand alone players such as Meredian 508.24, Audio Research CD2 and CD3, Cary 303/200 and Cary 303/300 will outperform the D2 even with a best possible transport and best possible digital cable.

Based on my listening impressions of D2 I would advise against purchasing an expesive transport and/or expensive digital cable for it. Not because it's a bad dac, but just because neither a $2000 transport nor $1000 digital cable can improve on the performace of this dac. You better of looking at other dacs or good stand alone cd players.

Remember, in this hobby, there are no miracles. If something costs $500, then at best, this is what you're getting. Sorry, don't mean to doubt what the others had to say about the Audio Mirror dac, but most people who posted reffered to D1 and not the D2 model. Clio may even be reffering to his TRL modded D1. I hope you are talking about the un-modded dac, Clio. Otherwise it wouldn't be fair...
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,443 posts
 
I meant to say Meridian and not Meredian...my bad
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
In retrospect.Why put that much money (transport/digital IC) into improving a inexpensive DAC.Spend the money on a all-in-one quality player,you will come out ahead.The Gamut CD1MKII should be included in the list of players being considered.Or improve the DAC and retest the transport/players.There is a Timbre TT-1 available,that plus the used Parasound belt transport with a "quick" digital IC would produce much better results for your invested dollar.
bdgregory OP
1,718 posts
 
Guys, I bought a Meridian 508.24 - received it Friday. It's a very nice improvement, and I didn't have to spend my whole budget.

Thanks to all for your input!
pardales
652 posts
 
I think you made a good decision. Unless you've got money to burn, I just don't think its worth spending more than 2K on a digital front end these days if your plans are to upgrade within the next 12-15 months. The pace of change is too great (maybe it will always be -- I don't know).
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