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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
lakefrontroad OP
302 posts
 
Thanks all for the input. I bought an AudioMeca Mephisto II one box and it's been great. Softer, more musical, deeper soundstage(about 15 feet vs 5 with the SCD-1)which now runs from my feet. I finally got to see and feel PRaT. It's amazing to hear and feel the difference.

Bill E.
bwhite
807 posts
 
Hey Bill - Isn't the Mephisto II awesome?? I just got one myself - The day I received it, I took it to a friends house for audition & now he has one too!

Also, did you notice that all of the sudden, music sounds good at ALL VOLUMES? Even when it's very low?
lakefrontroad OP
302 posts
 
Hi Bwhite. It's good, at all volumes, but it's great once it fills out the room.

Bill E.
mikes
44 posts
 
I picked up an absolutely perfect Sonic Frontiers SFT-1 (Stereophile A if that matters to you) used on audiogon for $850. I also have a North Star Model 192 (24/192) with 1 Toslink, 2 RCA, 1 balanced and 1 CAT 5 inputs. I live in Canada, but the product will be availabe in the U.S. soon, or you can check out the North Star home page. The list price is 1200 Euro for an absolutely incredible DAC (you won't find a used unit as this is a new release). I honestly believe I've got the best or close to it for a very reasonable price. But then again, so does everyone else who has posted. The difference being that I'm right and everyone else is wrong!:-)
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