CD upgrade

It sounds like you have a fairly good DAC. I my experience, the quality of the transport can make a significant difference. The best I have heard are of the top loading variety. Also, try experimenting with different digital interconnects. Often, jitter is introduced in their connector welds.

I think you can buy a lot of nice CD players for under 1000. Just to throw some names out: Meridian, Sony, CAL, Theta, NAD and perhaps some DVD/SACD players such as Phillips or Pioneer.

I can't agree with Duddley. In my experiece there is not enough difference between a $2500 transport and a $120 DVD player. Let me explain. I started with a Theta Data Basic. Excellant piece. I recently purchased a Classe CDT-1 and a DAC-1 combo to go with my CP-50 and CA-400. There was no difference between the Theta and the Classe using the exact same equipment and cables from there on to the speakers. Though the price differnce is $800 retail. About two weeks ago, I decided to finally get a DVD player and com[plete the HT setup. Got a cheap JVC DVD player. I conducted the same experiment. JVC vs. Classe. Using the same equip. and cables. I am not saying there was no difference, but not enough to justify the retail price of the JVC to the USED price of the Classe. That money is going toward a better 5 channel.

Sorry Axendo, but I must definitely disagree with you. It sounds as though something - either your cables/interconnects, your room, or any other common element - is a weak link. If you can't hear a noticeable difference between your audiophile level components and your consumer rated ones, then something is negating your high-end equipment's full potential.

Hear4, you might consider a better transport, but don't rule out upgrading your cabling, both quality and type, as well as improving your existing DAC. Upgrade your DAC with an AES/EBU. I would certainly consider, for around $150, a Monarchy 24/96 anti jitter (DIP), and maybe even upgrading your DAC's power supply with a Power Base.

Hope this helps.

H