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Is it worth upgrading a CD player?

I’ve had my Marantz CD6002 for around 14 years and it’s still going strong. I have it connected to an Audiolab M-DAC+ and play via my Rega amp. I’m mostly vinyl but have started to playvmy CD’s more recently and wondered whether upgrading the CD player would be worth it or not, given the fact it’s played via a dedicated DAC. Am I right in thinking there would be little noticeable improvement?

side22olto
facten
2,878 posts
 

@side22olto "I’ve ripped my CDs to Apple Lossless."

Okay then does this mean that you don’t want a CD transport or another CD player to use as a transport to see if you will get better SQ than the CD player you have and supposedly use as a transport.  May well just be me but I’m now confused about what you are after

 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,934 posts
 

Apple lossless is compressed. CD transport will most likely sound better.

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

@facten, May well just be me but I’m now confused about what you are after

Yes, what is the goal?

Charles

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,705 posts
 

@side22olto,

If you want the best bang for your buck, keep your player. The spinner and laser are good.  But I would get a good DAC and a digital interconnect. So much has changed in fourteen years with DAC’s it crazy. Then if you want to go farther, you can start looking at CDT’s.

All the best.

mitch2
3,974 posts
 

@charles1dad - Thanks for the recommendations and links to reviews.

My DAC situation has changed from what is posted on my system page. In fact, I just sold the EVO B4B21 but I added the EVO PRO, which is a subtle improvement in refinement and resolution, and everything else that improving those attributes brings. In addition, I just added Benjamin’s top Mystique X SE DAC and it is still breaking in, by playing music and Ayre’s frequency sweeps on repeat. The X SE is another level of resolution and I am hoping not too much for me. The detail it displays is extraordinary yet it does retain the musicality and tone that Benjamin’s DACs are known for. I plan to let it settle in before coming to any conclusions about which I like best. One thing is for sure, they are both excellent sounding DACs.

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