Upgrade Path: CDP or Preamp

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 !

Sorry to be persistent, but I went through your same scenario years ago...and tried players (after turntables from the decade prior) and preamps in my system.... you may be very suprised what you find....

A good preamp will create a soundstage, enhance harmonic texture, present more detail (hopefully in a musical and seductive way) and on and on to make your system more enjoyable. I agree with one poster's comment, your CDP is adequate. The truth is you could pick up a used CJpv12 of Audible Illusions 3 line stage for 850 and decent used player for 400 (choices abound) to make a grand total of 1250 for INCREDIBLE improvement.

The speakers also are significant. I became a MAJOR tinkerer after I got the preamp and realized the stuff I was missing, immediately upgrading my other items in my then budget speakers...with a little help from Madisound, etc...

Finally, as for the direct cd to amp idea...I did that as well with a Sony ES player...forget it...the volume is in the digital domain and this comes with caveats, specifically the truncating of bits at lower volumes......until full gain and bits are realized...

Also, careful amp and CDP matching are required for this idea...your amps are your strong point, your preamp and CDP are fine, but not nearly in the same league....

Borrow a used tube preamp from a friend, etc...(not vintage unit, but a modern one) and see what you think. Do the same for the CD player. I did, and that's how I came to my conclusions...incidentally, since beginning this process I have upgraded everything till about a year+ ago and have changed NOTHING. The preamp, is still the same.

Sorry to be too opionated.

Tobias is right about the pre amp. It needs to go too. However, the tubed Jolida will do wonders with your overall sound. And it may be the last cdp you will need to buy. Because it works it's magic with tubes, you needn't rush out to get an old tube pre-amp.

The first time I plugged a Jolida cdp (old 601) in place of my Sony ES changer, I was running it through Bryston.4b and a B&K amp. The transformation was miraculous.

I have changed the pre-amp, amp, and speakers several times since then. I still have a Jolida cdp, though.

The Denon is a solid unit. Why not try a d/a converter. I think the denon has a digital out? You can get a nice little d/a for $250 to $500. Using the denon with a d/a would equal many $1000 players for less money and give you some flexibility.

".forget it...the volume is in the digital domain "

Just for the record, I agree...I only like good analog volume controled cd player like the Resolution players or monarchy audio DACs.

One thing to mention is that Pre-amps tend to make good used buys...fewer moving parts.

Good luck...you probalby have too many ideas now.
Nik