ML 390S vs dCS Verdi/Purcell/Elgar Plus

Actually, the only reason I was considering upgrading to dCS is the possibility of upsampling (I owe approx. 8,000.00 classic CDs and this is the music I will listen to during the rest of my life). I am not interested in new formats but in how to get the most out of my existing library (Is my current collection a hidden goldmine?). Mark Levinson has published an article on what they call the "myth of upconversion" (http://www.marklevinson.com/UPCONVERSION.htm). It is quit convincing I must say. But the dCS articles (http://www.dcsltd.co.uk/audiophi.htm) and Robert Harley's comments in the Complete Guide to High-End Audio too! I do not know what the situation in the US is, but here in Europe the possibilities to listen to such expensive components are non-existing so we have to decide on the basis of literature and reviews and, of course, the Audiogon forum. I would like to emphasize that all advise concerning the very best digital sources is welcome! I am seriously considering to go for either dCS (Verdi/Purcell/Elgar Plus or ML 30.6; maybe the 390S.

If you own 8000+ CDs, I would strongly recommend you the Accuphase DP-75V CD player. Results indicate that the Accuphase player is way smoother than the dCS gear which is slightly "analytical" as dCS people have been closely working with studio engineers and CD mastering facilities and prefer the extra analyticalness. See stereophile for a deatiled review of the Accuphase v/s dCS. For an audiophile who own 8000+ CDs, a simple one-box unit of the highest quality as mentioned above should be the "priority" as opposed to a separate CD transport, upsampler, dac etc and associated cables. I was earlier using dCS gear and have now switched over to the DP-75V and must say, the accuphase has "soul" and more musical. The DP-75V also supports addt. cards so the unit is future upgradable and also accomodated future expansion.

Hi. I have another idea for you. I've heard the ML39, ML30.6& ML31.5, EMC-1 I, RA CD55, Sony SCD-1 and Meridian 508.20. To me they are all within the same performance window with slight variation as to sonic signature, but not overall level of performance. After reading and seeing the separate DAC I bought a AudioMeca Mephisto II. I was replacing a Sony SCD-1 which had a near identical level of performance with the RA CD55. Right out of the box the soundstage increased from about five feet deep running from the plane of the speakers back to about fifteen feet deep running from my feet. It sounded like music and felt live and real. Ridiculously I started tapping my foot. Not something I spend a lot of time doing regularly.

Clearly something special happened. So, I'd like to suggest that you look into Mephisto II. I use it with ML335, PS Audio 600 and Dunlavy SCIV's. Seems kinda special.

Good luck.

Bill E.

koen: if you truly want the best sound from cd's, i'd suggest you consider the boulder 1012. it is superior to every other dac i've ever auditioned, including those by burmester, mbl, the accuphase 75v and the 100/101. the boulder unit is a pre/dac, eliminating the need for a separate pre. it's built-in voltage alternatives (factory set) allow its use throughout the world. the december s'phile has a review of the boulder 1012 worth reading. -cfb

Bill, i have listened to the above and still prefer my Linn CD-12. especially for classical listening the continuousness and musicality will be very rewarding. i have a Marantz SA-1 that gives me a great reference to judge the CD-12 against. for dedicated cd listening it is hard to beat....and it will make your cd life simple and beautiful.

i have not heard the Audio Aero 192/24 Capitol which would be another strong contender.