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Mid to High end CD player vs. universal plus DAC

Hi,

I am considering upgrading my old Sony CD player, and am seeking input regarding whether to purchase a player such as an Arcam 82-92T, upgraded Jolida JD-100, etc... or purchase a lower quality "universal" such as a Sony 900V, Pioneer 45A, etc.. and use a DAC with it. I am trying to stay under $1500, and do not own a DVD player. My present system is 2 channel only, and do not have any burning desire to go multichannel.

Any and all advice is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Mike
1musiclover
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
Get off an extra $200 bucks and get a Sony XA777ES. Blows all of that stuff out of the water. Plus you get Sacd. The xa777es is as good as 99% of the red book players out there on red book and is as good as a top of the line TT on Sacd discs.
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
Hi Mike. I've heard a wide range of front ends on my system, including a few universals. The Pioneer Elite does a respectable job, and can play any digital disc. Some DVA cuts sound remarkable. However, the CD playback tends to be less refined than separates, and a bit bright. That is a flaw I can't live with.

For obtaining sheer musical bliss, using the predominate CD genre, I would never trade out my old tubed Jolida 100 for any player, especially a universal.
a_hayman
43 posts
 
Mike:

I agree with the approach you took. I had a Denon DCD-1650AR CD player that I was very happy with -- very well built, nice user interface, trouble-free, and played any CD loaded into it. In order to upgrade the sound, rather than get another player, I bought a Dodson Audio DA-217MKIID external DAC (here on AudiogoN, by the way), and hooked it up to the Denon with a Harmonic Tech Magic Digital One RCA cable (also purchased on AudiogoN). This made a remarkable improvement to the sound, so now I have the best of both worlds -- a solid, trouble-free transport, and a wonderful 24/768 up- and oversampling DAC!

Good luck!

Alan
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