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Upgrade from Sony XA9000ES

I would like more refinement,detail and faster cleaner dynamics-without breaking the bank.
Have no chance to audition anything where I am.
Meridian G08 is available at $3000 new. Classe CDP202 used at $3400 asking.
Is there a used Wadia, Levinson or other non tube player that has better sound at the price??
or
Would it be sensible to buy a Spectral SDR 2000? I have a Toshiba SD9200 that could be used as a transport.
psacanli
bigtee
803 posts
 
Oh, I did hear an ARC CD7 not in my system. It sounded excellent but until I actually hear it in my system, I don't like to make a comment. Other trusted ears have said it is superb and I believe them that it is. The thing here is, you've got to spend to really better the Sony to make it worthwhile.
psacanli OP
535 posts
 
Bigtee, I presently have the XA900ES for CD and SACD and a Lexicon RT 20 in the system for CD and DVD-A and movies.
I use balanced power for all, separate for the front end and the amp, as well as good isolation & conditioning for each digital piece. Friends all hear the differences between the RT20 and the Sony the same, and all can hear what I'm hearing. (My listening evaluators are women and young men as their hearing is supposedly at its best.) Because the 20 & 9000 are different I don't think what we are hearing is elsewhere in the system.
You mentioned the Sony is not the last word for CD.
You have exeptional exposure to different units.
Could you advise how the XA9000ES compared to the c5xe and the 861 for CD play?
Have you ever heard the RT20? We find it 'surprisingly' good for CD. Very dynamic.
psacanli OP
535 posts
 
Bigtee, I presently have the XA900ES for CD and SACD and a Lexicon RT 20 in the system for CD and DVD-A and movies.
I use balanced power for all, separate for the front end and the amp, as well as good isolation & conditioning for each digital piece. Friends all hear the differences between the RT20 and the Sony the same, and all can hear what I'm hearing. (My listening evaluators are women and young men as their hearing is supposedly at its best.) Because the 20 & 9000 are different I don't think what we are hearing is elsewhere in the system.
You mentioned the Sony is not the last word for CD.
You have exeptional exposure to different units.
Could you advise how the XA9000ES compared to the c5xe and the 861 for CD play?
Have you ever heard the RT20? We find it 'surprisingly' good for CD, for a DVD player. Very dynamic.
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