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Cary CD 301, 303 or Other? Best Uprade?

B&W N804 System Upgrade - Cary CD? B&W N804 Speakers, Bryston 3B-ST Amp, Velodyne Subs, B&K AC3/DTS Surround Sound Processor, Sony DVD/CD player, Adcom 5 disc carosel, N Center, B&W Bipolar Rears, Synergistic interconnect, along with Kimber. I recently connected my N804s to a 300W Classe, and a 250W Bryson, used a Classe pre, and the Cary CD 301. Both amps created a fantastic sound stage reproducing a real life experience (just like a jazz club). By far the best listening experience ever, no price dependencies and systems compared to in great stores. Noticed that the Cary CD sound gave a great soundstage and separation. However, it may be giving up a little too much in detail and does not have HDCD. I'm looking for recommendations on going with any of the following upgrades: (1st choice) Cary CD 301 or 303 (2nd) Bryston 3BST to bi-amp the N804s (3rd) 250+W Bryston or another great amp (4th) Sony 9000ES DVD/SACD player (5th) Better pre/surround sound processor I think my CD is in dtrastic need of an overhaul, and I want to get the best sound out of my system. (60% Audio, 40% Movies)
ftbuckeye
rackon
301 posts
 
The Cary 303 is a ss player with much better detail than the standard (tubed) 301, which retains the 301's midrange warmth but adds bass/slam. A change of tubes and some tweaking can improve the sound/detail of the Cary 301 - see reviews at Audioreview. The Meridian DVD/CD unit is likely to be pricey, but if it sounds like the 508.24, it will be one fine player.
ikarusg
1 posts
 
I've auditioned the Cary 303 and the 306. The 303 is very impressive and musical but the 306 is an emotional high in comparison. The Meridian DVD/CD unit was disappointing for its CD performance. However, I recently heard the Meridian 588 (the CD replacement for the 508.24). It is a wonderful unit with great detail, clarity of bass and brilliant highs (although I was somewhat unhappy with the sound of classical piano--sounded somewhat harsh to me). The Cary retails at 5K while the Meridian 588 is about 4K.
upscaleaudio's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
upscaleaudio
258 posts
 
The CD303 is a great buy at the price. We've sold a LOT of them, and they are something to behold. In fact I use one in my office. The CD306 is the best digital I have ever heard, beating the dcs Elgar and Accuphase which cost 2-3 times as much.

But it's more bucks. The 303 can be had for very reasonable money (relative). It's built, and has more "pop" than the earlier CD301.

A test that is interesting? Turn the music way down with the 303 or 306 and compare them to others. The difference in contrast between loud and soft in quite interesting.
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