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5+ years old $5k player vs. current $2k player

Hi,
Been thinking the above question: which one would be a better choice?

Price for these older players (e.g. Esoteric, Wadia, etc.) ends up being in similar price than recent vintages like Ayon, PS Audio, etc. And perhaps even the Oppo as a transport?

Did CD technology really improve significantly in the last few years such that these "cheaper" but newer players will out perform the older but top-line players?

Especially player like the PS Audio PWT, the concept is certainly new (for CD transport) & the theory does make sense...
hobieboyca
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
Please keep us posted Charles1dad, I am interested in your impressions. At these price points and the lack of ability to audition all the inexpensive DACs it seems there is little recourse than going the "buy and listen" route.
dtc's avatar
dtc
1,047 posts
 
Looks like the Metrum Octave does not do 24/192, which is disappointing. 24/176 is not a generally available resolution. Sounds like it could be a great piece, but it would be nice if it did 24/192, as more and more downloads are available at that resolution. Just a minor nit.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,202 posts
 
There are always exceptions but in general with anything digital/computer based, you are almost always better of going with more recent technology than old at any particular price point.

Why? Because digital computer technology continues to improve all the time and will continue to do so for the indefinite future. Just look around you at most any consumer electronic device today and that much is apparent.
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
One thing that all these dac's should have but don't is a phase inversion option. It is also a reason I was attracted to the Minidac Plus. The W4S 2 has this as well.
jig
160 posts
 
I am in total agreement with Jeffga and Dtc. Based on many comments in the past that a new unit will blow away an old unit , I have tried several new units in the past two years and such is not the case. I think the power supply is a key element to the sound quality and newer chips are more detailed and less musical. I recently ordered the Sony xa5400 which is rated A+ in stereophile. My Anthem CD changer is getting old in the tooth and I use it as a transport to a modified Lite Dac60. The Anthem/Lite combo is more musical, more fleshed out and more dynamic. Even using the Sony as a transport, I still prefer the sound of the Anthem as a transport. Hard to believe but true. I am very dissapointed with the outcome as I like the smooth silent operation of the Sony + the 5 year warranty versus the clunky audible operation of the Anthem. PS, for the Sony lovers I have over 400 hours on it and the clouds have not parted yet. Maybe the latest batch is missing the magic?
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