Is it worth upgrading a CD player?

OK here is my take based upon my experience.  An Agon member sent me his Cary 306 SACD player to perform upgrades.  TO put this in perspective, my company manufacturers our own audio components.  We also have been repairing, upgrading, modifying audio components for over 20 + years.

So we get a Cary 306 SACD in for upgrades.  In stock form, it is rally nothing special.  So we replace the laser, upgraded the Opamps, and replace 100 parts in the power supply section.  Then nothing but awesome sound.  We were completely in awe of the transformation.  We are tube guys but we were so impressed that we may built a SS DAC based upon the results.  Now understand that we have heard almost every transport and DAC available.  So we are very experienced with everything mentioned above.  One note, using my Metronome CDP as a transport into the Cary's DAC, was also an improvement.  

So to answer your question, yes, upgrade your CDP.

Happy Listening.

I is amazing to me how popular streaming is today. I have a very simple 2 source system. I have a Rega elex-r integrated all analog amp. I have a P3 modified with all 3 groovetracer upgrades and a Rega exact 2 mm cart. My other source is a 2017 Rega Apollo used as transport and connected by Kimber $390 rca digital cable to a Rega dac r(last dac they produced, I believe they ended production in 2015? I have all Kimber cable for different needs. I get so much enjoyment from this system I am done. My loudspeakers are Meadowlark audio swift floorstanders. They have vifa drivers. 1” silk dome tweeter and 5 1/4 woofer. They are a true transmission line design. I have had them since 2002. They are immaculate and musically very satisfying. Glad that is out of the way. Ok. I cannot understand how so many people are throwing money away on a predominantly streaming based system. I would love to have access to Tidal and Quobuz, but the majority of posts I read suggest today they are spending at or over $10,000 on their streamer, their dac and linear power supplies, etc. They are throwing their money into a bottomless pit. And setting up a streaming system has so many hardware and software issues to contend with. And most listen to red book cd quality as the predominant format. I can understand wanting to try out MQA or DSD, but they are listening to some average sounding formats and I guarantee you that my humble $1700 digital front end sounds as good or better than their streamer. Am I missing something. I am a little new to streaming but I have been into this hobby for over 30 years. I like Aurender a lot. I would never invest in such a high cost fad. And I have not even gotten into all of the software issues when pairing this gear. Maybe I am missing something? Someone have another way of looking at this way too complicated and expensive fad. Thanks.

@walkenfan2013

I really like the Meadowlarks… great speakers. You have done a great job of putting together an enjoyable system.

However, you have streaming all wrong. While in your price range vinyl is likely to be the low cost solution. Streaming is not a fad… it is the future, period. physical media will be relegated to niche over time. Those that love nostalgia will stay in.

While getting a satisfying streaming system in the budget categories can cost more than vinyl… say a 25% premium… as you move up in sound quality the difference disappears. In my system, my digital and analog ends cost the same and sound about the same. I listen to my streamer about 95% of the time. You can see my systems under my UserID.

You do not need to spend $10K to get streaming leg that equals your vinyl. But if you do, the cost of music virtually disappears… $12.99 / month for access to millions of albums. This fundamentally changes the pursuit. You can get a $1K Streamer and $2K DAC that is likely to give your vinyl rig a run for its money and show why it is the future. 

bigkidz

Thank You for keeping the cd player Flame burning!

Season's Greetings!

bigkidz

What is your Professional opinion on E.A.R. (Yoshindo) cd players?

Have you restored any iterations of the Acute(I, II, II)/Classic models?

Happy Listening!