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Upgrade Path: CDP or Preamp

Howdy,
I'm a little perplexed. I've got the upgrade bug and I'm not sure how to proceed. I would like to augment my system by replacing either the CDP or the preamp. I'm not sure which one will improve the system's sound the most and give me the best sonic improvement for my money. I, of course, can replace one then the other, but which one should I replace first? For auguments sake my budget is around 1000 bucks for either component. I love jazz and of course a variety of current and classic rock. I mostly listen to cd's but I do have a turntable and a bunch of albums (these are less convenient to use since they've been relegated to the basement). I also use the tuner quite a bit for backround listening (the tuner in my preamp is poor, but I have a classic Mitsubishi analog tuner in another system I would use when I replaced the preamp). Overall the sound is good, minus the tuner. I know it can be better. Any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks in advance for your responses.

My system:
Denon DCM 370 changer sitting on a set of Vibrapods
Music Hall MMF 7 TT w/ Goldring Eroica Cartridge
Creek OBH 8SE MM phono preamp
B&K PT3 preamp/tuner
Odyssey Stratos amp w/ cap upgrade
B&W CDM 9NT's
Van Den Hul D102 III IC's connecting cdp to pre to amp
Monster something or other connecting phono pre to preamp
Monster 12 gauge speaker wire.
hammergjh
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,231 posts
 
I have your CD player in my bedroom system and it's a fairly good product. Changing it won't result in any major improvement in your system. As a matter of fact, your system is very well balanced with no glaring weak link. You really would be better off not chaning anything and instead focusing on perfecting your speaker positioning and other related setup issues. Read this other posting call The Power of Positioning to get some ideas.

If you must change something, then focus on your cables and possible a power conditioner. And you don't have to spend alot of money. Good quality cables do not have to be expensive! Try a place like the Cable Co. which allows you to sample a large selection of products before you buy.

Best of luck!
gaudio_eek
312 posts
 
I second the CDP recommendation. Jolida 100, Music Hall CD25, Rega Planet 2000 (not Jupiter) and perhaps CEC CD3300 (new at Audio Advisor, CEC makes good gear) can be good candidates.
jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,158 posts
 
I agree with the Jolida CDP very good choice.
nikturner920
144 posts
 
Something to think about would be a cd with a volume control and giving up on lp for a while (assuming you are not listening to them).

You could get a used resolution audio cd 50 or 55 for around $1000, with analog volume. When you get the cash you could use it into the preamp.

Short of that I vote for a better pre, adcom 750 or acurus R11 maybe? or if you don't need remote the odyssey tempest, or a morrison audio elad (world class crazy good for the price ~$800)

What you really need is a pre with a built in DAC to improve the cd sound but analog voulume control and 2 analog sources....

http://www.monarchyaudio.com/Model33.htm

Could work for you.

Nik
tobias
1,534 posts
 
I agree that the CDP is the thing to change first. Changers are sonic compromises in my experience. The precision of the transport is hard to maintain when joined to a changer mechanism. This means the correction circuits work extra hard in a changer, with consequences for power management and more.

Most changer buyers are not interested in paying a lot for mechanical integrity. The high end changer is a hard disk system : Linn, etc.

The Music Hall 25 ( a Shanling ) or the new Shanling CD-S100 II would be fun to listen to in your price range. I don't know the Jolida but a lot of people like it.

Once you've gotten used to your new source, continue the upgrades downstream--so the preamp is next in line. Then, if you get itchy and need to change something while you look for an amp, you could try a new IC between CDP and preamp... at least, that's how I would shop for cables. ( I would never try to stabilize a system's sound with cables until I was sure the major components were what I wanted. )

Have fun !
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