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Help CDP over vinyl upgrade advice please

The last few years I have been keen on vinyl, as I found even my mid-level TT (Denon 62L with DL103R) to better the sound I get from my CDP and most CD material. I'm using two systems- switched at will from several sources. One system is Altec 604D drivers in vintage teakwood cabinets pushed by 300B SET. The other is smaller Dynaudio monitors driven by EL34 push-pull. Subwoofer used mostly with the Altecs.

I find the vinyl rig to outshine my trusty old Sony X7esd cdp and would like to know if a suitable upgrade to close the gap is available. I also use a Sony sacd rig- the sa-333 I think it is- it is quite improved in sacd format- but can't redbook quality be better? Main advancements desired are better dynamics , also a more 'live and dimensional' sound. My main beef with most cd's is a lack of interest. I put them on and then lose interest ;-)

Looking to spend under $1200-1500 either used or new to get results. Hoping for a quantum leap forward, otherwise I'll probably stay on the vinyl trail.

Have I bumped into the old cd vs vinyl differences? or can a better CDP be attained with todays tech improvements?

CDP must be front loader not top. Any thoughts on the tubed CDP's currently available?

Thanks for your help...
128x128rwbadley
lwood
61 posts
 
Any DIY capabilities? If so, then you can mod many. I would suggest a good transport and then go for a DAC. Many are hot for the Cambridge Audio 840. I like the Eastern Electric MiniMax CDP with tube output; I also use the Arcam CD73, which you can usually find used for $400-you could give the Arcam a try and see if it improves over your Sony for starters, and if not, sell it without a $$$ loss.
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
Look into REGA players, they might sound the way you desire.
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Your only option is to buy something used like maybe a Sony scd777es and have it modded and even then you will be at twice your budget. Otherwise forget it in your price range it doesn't exist. Stay where you are.

I have the opposite dilema I have not found vinyl I like. My modded scd-1 is my sonic bliss and I am staying put. I have considered buying something just to play my 150+ lps and settle for what I get.

In the end I think one likes what one likes and thats all there is to it. I went digital in the early 90's and never went back. The blackness of the background just pulled me in and I could never stand the pops and clicks of vinyl.

Chuck
rwbadley's avatar
rwbadley OP
143 posts
 
Thanks for the great feedback. I don't really have the mod capabilities- so that's out. A tube unit may be worth a try.

I guess there's a butt for every cushion. The black background of cd is OK, but it needs the rest of the aural scene. Most of my collection on vinyl is pretty clean and well recorded and pressed- so noise isn't much of a factor really... I could put up with most other detriments but the 'Life' has to be there, and if a tube cdp might do it then it's worth a look. Audio Aero Prima might be worth looking into... Thanks for the tip
plato
1,543 posts
 
My stock Rega Apollo (sorry -- top loader) destroys my BIX turntable with stock Rega RB250 arm. It's set up perfectly, but it can't come close to the dynamics and range I get from the Apollo. And, of course, my Monarchy M24 DAC beats the BIX/REGA as well. My Michell Orbe/Wilson Benesch/Shelter combo does a bit better, but it costs a ton more.

Presently, I'm looking for a better arm for the BIX so it can get a bit closer to the Apollo... I know there are a lot of better arms out there, but I'm waiting for the right deal to come along.
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