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Will I be a jaw dropping Wow for an upgraded CDP?

My current system

AES/Cary SE-1 SET (300b tubes) amp
Decware Zen Amp (used both alternatively)
AES/Cary AE-3 Preamp
Sony and Panasonic walkman type CDP (using line out)
Low end Audioquest and homemade RS magnet wire interconnect
Axiom M22Ti speakers (with pure copper monster cable)

I listen to a variety of music, but fall in love with vocal (especially female) and chamber music. I also listen to both Pop/rock and Classical. Most of the time I listen to moderate level, not very lound (to give you the idea, I never clip my Zen amp on my 92 dB rated speakers yet.).

To be frank I am pretty happy with my set up right now. Female vocal sound wonderful on this setup.

Just that I can afford a better CDP, probably for around 600 or so. I am wondering how much better I should expect to spend 600 on it?

I know many people are happy to pay 10 grands just to get small amount of improvement. For me I try to justify how my money will pay off. $600 is quite a lot for me and I would be disappointed if the improvement is so subtle that I barely notice it. For example I had a failed marry with the new Music Hall MMF CD25 (failed miserably and had to return it.)
As it wasn't burnt in completely yet so it hard to justify. I know that it sounds differnt from my walkman CDP, but not sure if I could say it sounds better.

I have read a lot about CDP selections, but still can't justify to get one. Many story about Model A is better than model B, but not much about how better.

For example Rega Planet 2000 is better than Cambridge audio 500SE, but by how much? Is it worth extra 500 for that differnce?

I know this kind of question is hard to answer as it subjective, but still would like to hear thought from experienced people who went to this route before.

Thanks a lot,

Ake
ake
audioman4
174 posts
 
This is a tough post.. If you have tons of cds.. then you owe it to yourself to get a nicer player. One with a better d/a convertor... something more musical. The difference will be jaw dropping as you say.. I went from a Nice Classe cdp3 to a Krell kav 300 and it was even more dropping... simply stated, the da convertors in standard components and something as simple as a portable cd player, cannot compare to a nice solid state player with a heavy duty transport and class a electronics... detachable power cords for upgradability, digital and coax out for future dac upgrades... In short, it will be well worth your while...Cd is not going anywhere anytime soon.
Good luck,
Joe
fatparrot
1,314 posts
 
TWL, don't forget about $400- for a good record cleaning machine along with the $600- for the T.T. Agreed that analog is great, but it's a totally different animal than CD. Let's not forget what a pain in the ass vinyl can be. There are negatives that do accompany that wonderful analog sound.

Ake, in your price range, I would consider the Audio Refinement Complete CD Player. Be careful that your jaw doesn't break when it hits the floor the first time you hear the difference! And this unit also features a digital output for later upgrades, should you want, with an outboard DAC. Let the ecstasy begin!
joe_b
421 posts
 
Try a Sony DVP-NS500V DVD player. It has a 2 channel output so you can use it as a 2 channel only cd player. If you shop a little you should be able to get it for around $150, including a rite of return if you don't like it. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Search the forums for more info on the Sony.
twl
3,251 posts
 
Sorry, forgot about the record cleaning machine. But you could get that later.
natalie
404 posts
 
If you failed to notice a difference using the music hall. Then sit back listen to what you have and spend the 600.00 on music.
The source is your most important piece. If you did not hear a difference dont sweat it.
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