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Player that excels at imaging..

My quest still continues for a new cd player.Most important is finding a player that excels at imaging.Don't get me wrong all the other things are important to - bass ,extended treble,natural midrange,etc.But nothing gets to me more in a system than when you get a nice wide soundstadge with great imaging.Players I'm looking at are Cary 303/300,Audio research 5,Resolution audio opus 21.My current player is a Sonic frontiers cd-1.It lacks the imaging & bass I'm looking for to complete my system.My other gear is Pass labs.Any opinions whould be helpfull..
spaz
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,389 posts
 
You're more likely to get a more involving soundstage and imaging with a tube DAC or tubed player, at least that has been my experience.

Try a tube DAC and see if that helps. The mhdt Paradisea or Havana do not cost too much and are quite good. With the Paradisea, for better bass and dynamics, use the NOS Tung Sol equivalent tube in place of the stock GE tube that comes with the Paradisea.

If it does, and you want to go further, try a tube pre-amp as well.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Spaz, before ditching the SFCD-1, buy a used Virtual Dynamics Nite or Master power cord and slap it on that puppy and I bet that you get what you're looking for. You may not believe in p/c's, but I'm certain it sounds like what you're looking for. VD cables and cords escort you to the front row. Personally this doesn't work for me, I prefer a mid-hall presentation, but I know many that enjoy this immediacy.

If it doesn't work, sell it and there is nothing lost.

Cheers,
John
spaz OP
105 posts
 
I have played in the past with power cords and never made a final decision..I have tried cords from ESP,Cardas,and a few others.Some of these cords gave me a slightly better sound.I'm still using the stock cord on the SF cd-1...
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I've heard dozens of different kinds of power cords, but I've only heard one power cord give the kind of performance that you seem to be looking for, Virtual Dynamics. Now I'm not a big fan of VD cords/cables, as that front row presentation is not for me.

If you insist that it's the CDP that is the culprit, my only reco that would suit your tases would be the EMM Labs CDSA-SE.....I don't know that it will fit your pocketbook though.

Cheers,
John
spaz OP
105 posts
 
I hear the Emm Labs gear is top knotch but evrn used seems out of reach at this point.At there asking price it should be great..The quest is finding a real world priced cdp..
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