What cd player or cd transport/dac is next for me?


I have a ML 335, ML 380S, Dunlavy SCIV's, Harmonic Tech Magic Ones biwired and Stealth Gold interconnects currently with Sony SCD-1. I had a Resolution Audio CD55 for about a year. I found that the redbook play of the Sony and CD55 were comparable with different strengths, but similar enough that I characterize them as of the same class/level.

I wish to make a significant shift in cd play. First, is it necessary in your opinion to go to the top of the heap to get dramatic improvements? Is used equipment available in your opinion that will yield those results at used prices?

I have heard the ML 39, EMC-1 ML 30.5 & 31.6 in similar systems to mine. Are the new generation of mid-level cd units dramatically improved over the prior generation? (Ml 39/ML 39S, EMC-1 upgrade)

I look forward to useful ideas for improvement. All other thoughts I suspect will be appreciated also!

Bill E.
lakefrontroad
I have the Sony XA7ES CD player. I know, it's old & discontinued, but I waited & waited for Sony to make an SACD
player with a variable out - it never happened...
Why don't you check out the new Mark Levinson 390s CD player & see how much better it is than the Model 39.
Your system is definitely of high enough caliber to warrant an audition with & without your pre-amp.
I really want a truly balanced 2 channel cd player to go with my Rowland Model 2 amp. I just wish the Levinson wasn't so expensive.
The Theta Miles was a good concept, until Theta kind of forgot about it.....

Good Luck & post your results!
I like my EMC-1 MKII enough to have just bought two extra 24/192k DAC upgrade kits for any EMC-1 owner wanting to upgrade on their own (got 'em for $600).
Note that ann EMC-1 MkI is now on A'gon auction under $2200.
So for $2800 total you'd have an incredibly nice player.
My MkII has stupendous bass extension, control and dynamics, utterly analogue-like full midrange, and yet a clear, ultradetailed treble with NO hash or edginess. Remarkable!
I'm using Discovery Essence XLR, which I prefer over previously used Pro-Silways and Red Dawn in my system.
Good luck with your choice.
I really like the Accuphase CD players. I'm using an older DP-75. I feel that this unit has the most "analog" sound of any Redbook player that I have heard!
I have had the Levinson digital, the dCS delius and purcell and none come close to the Audiomeca or Audio Aero. Audiomeca makes the Enkianthus DAC and Mephisto II Transport and CD Player. Both pieces are incredibly easy to listen to and of course upsample to 24 /192. The other very interesting CD Player is the Audio Aero Capitol 24 /192. This unit uses the same chipset in the Audiomeca but has a proprietary technology for upsampling. It also uses a tube output stage. The Capitole also has the added ability to be used without a preamp. It has a remote controlled volume and has a ton of gain.

Both are reasonably priced compared with the Levinson and dCS, and they both out perform them.
I had SC IVs but powered by Krell. I own a Levinson 32 and had the 360S. If you like laid back, 360S is it. I'm a huge fan of pace, timing and musicality that allows you to quit thinking about soundstage/imaging/treble zing/transients etc. Whatever sounds compellingly real. For me, I ended up unexpectedly with a Naim CDS2; it's different than any CD setup I've had (had SCD1, Wadia, SF,Goldmund etc.). I would think the Levinson gear you have is lush for SS, with a humongous soundstage etc. and you'd maybe get too much of a good thing with more Levinson. I'd try any Naim CD player, a Goldmund (also dynamic and driving) and any CD player people recommend as being musical above all (maybe Audio Aero?). It can be about sound and gear but it's better when it's about music. I spend my dough on XRCDs (esp the Yamamoto Trio Three Blind Mice and DCC Gold remasters). BTW, my Naim/Lev/Rowland setup sounds darn good. My Tact setup gets damn close. Kharma and Piega speakers. PS. Build out your music collection if you haven't. I always find it peculiar to visit someone who has 10 LPs or 30 CDs and great gear. I'd go nuts too if I listened to: Jacintha/Jennifer Warnes/Thin Red Line/Diana Krall over and over and over. So, try the Capitole, the EMC, the Naim, anything in the 2-3K used range. They're different than Levinson/Krell/Wadia/DCS.