CD vs. SACD vs. DVD-Audio vs Vinyl vs...

I went looking for a CD player this weekend. I have needed the up grade for a while now and I decided to seek out the Wadia 850, the Meridian 805, and the Resolution Audio CD 50 (CD 50, Carl's suggestion). I couldn't find Meridian or CD 50(their old web page said they had it), but I did find a nice DCS up sampling setup. I ended up listening to two different systems in two different stores...both direct to amp. In the first store, I listened to a Levenson transport with the dcs up sampling gear, running into Krell, out to Wilson watt/puppy 6s. The resolution difference was clear...there was just more after upsampling to 24/192. The problem was it sounded bad...electronic air. I must admit that Paul Simon's Graceland isn't an acoustic album by any means, but I don't think that his naturally flat vocal delivery should have dull plastic sizzle to it either. Perhaps it was the the amps or speakers that I didn't like, but whatever it was, it was magnified when turned up to 24/192. I am going to take my Pass 3 to give the setup another chance. The next system I heard consisted of a Wadia 850 running into a CJ solid state, and out to Amati Homage speakers. What can I say, I am smiling as I type. The bass extention was not as great but who cares? The sound was focused, clear, open, smooth...blubber blubber blubber. BUT, upon putting in Cesaria Evora's Cafe Atlantico, I realized that it was not the real thing. I have heard her. The PA that her voice was coming through wasn't the best, but she never sounded tart...only creamy. I am going to take my amp to that store as well, probably some time next month, with the same two CDs. I have about 100 records but most of my stuff is 16/44 and that is why I went hunting for a cd player. I am still going to need to up grade my CD player, but I have a new interest in vinyl. I have to drive a long distance to audition anything good, so I'll keep you all posted in my little audio adventures.

I'm back. 0008: It's good that you have "little adventures" like that. I'd lay odds that the "plastic effect" you heard primarily was from the recording. But that terrible Focal tweeter in the Wilsons just "magnified" it. The Krell certainly wouldn't help something like that turn "creamy" either, and neither would the upsampling. THE TWEETER IN THE SONUS FABERS IS THE BEST DOME TWEETER IN THE WORLD. I own a pair of these domes, and if there was ever a soft dome that could soundly beat ANY metal dome, this is it!..........To Albert: Is the physical size of each tiny "grain" of 4x5 film the same physical size as 6x7 centimeter format film? I've seen photos enlarged to 30 by 40 inches with this format, and the resolution is stunning. IMAX movie film is also this 6x7 size...talk about something to judge future TV formats by!!

Oh, and about the CD50. I think they've stopped production on them for a while. I was just trying to get people to buy used ones, like I did. That's where the real value is, especially now.

Hi Albert, interesting camera story, but CD technology has had 20 years to mature and unless i'm mistaken, digital cameras are only beginning to make their presence felt. I have been lisening to a VAT amp with a Theta transport, DCS upsampling and Avalon speakers lately not the $150 CD players you mentioned. I also listen to a Sony cdp-CA9ES 5 disc CD changer through a Denon AVR-5700 , Monitor Audio speakers with a REL sub, Sony DVD-S7700 for Home Theater and background music for dinner. I loathe the Sony CD player but it was the only one that remembers programming for 172 discs. Does anyone know of a better CD player that retains programming? or is it worth hot rodding it? After working in the best recording studios in New York for 27 years I think I have a good idea what a master tape sounds like. I have not had as much experience with Vinyl gear as you have and agree with your opinion that today analogue does achieve superior sound when played through very high end systems. I think that the upcoming universal players (CD,SACD,DVD-A,) have the potential to equal or better the high end analogue systems at one fifth the price. I have heard both the CD and LP of recording sessions that I have participated in and the CD resembled the original event more accurately on a variety of good systems. I am still new to this type of forum and may not be as familiar with as many components as Carl and I am relly enjoying hearing about the speakers and CD players he is familiar with. I would appreciate your help with cable and speaker upgrades in my post about the AVR 5700.

Sorry about the typos. The amp is VAC renaissance 70 Conrad Johnson Premier 16LS preamp, DCS Delios and Purcell, Avalon Opus spkrs, Synergistic designer reference cable and Bybee power conditioner.