CD upgrade

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

Look on audiogon for a Perpetual Technologies P.1A digital engine, hook it up balanced between your Marantz and MSB, and enjoy the music.
You won't be sorry.
Go to Perpetual's website and download the PDF intruction sheet. The sheet originally sent out with new units was written by aliens.

Axendo, you should consider going to the doctor to get your hearing checked!! Good transports make a huge difference. Hear4, I think your best move would be a transport as there are many that are good in your budget, Cal Audio Labs, Theta, PS Audio, etc.. are all good transports and will be a good improvement over what you have now, also pick up a digital cable for the rig also. Happy Listening!

Just for your info. for those who disagree, My system is comprised of the following: Classe DAC-1, Classe CP-50, Classe CA-400, Mirage M3s, AQ EmeraldX3 XLR (DAC>pre>amp), AQ Hawk XLR(Digital), AQ Midnight+,Forrest+ double bi-wire.
I don't think that this is a bad set up. As far as my room, there's little I can do with that. Again, I didn't say there was no difference, I said you would be better to spend the difference in money on another piece of equipment.

Axendo, nice system!
I have done the same thing with a $120 cd player, as I sold my D/A and was waiting for my new one, I used my sons cd player and when I hooked up it didn't sound half bad for the first two minutes, then after a few minutes, it started to hurt my ears as I noticed a lacking in detail, bass was not any good, mids were not smooth,and highs were grainy, It didn't have that 3-D, air, and synergy thing going on, It sounded like the system I have in my garage the $5 garage sale one!
but now that I have my new D/A, the system is sounding very nice. What I have found that if you want to improve the sound 2 times you have to spend 50 times more! and it gets worse the farther you move up.
hear4, Sorry for getting of track here but I think the transport with a digital cable is your your best move and there are many you can pick up in your price range.
Happy Listening!