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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
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
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.

elevick
2,638 posts
 
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.
nikturner920
144 posts
 
".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
golden_ears
224 posts
 
In your case, the Denon has to go first. The source is more important. A better preamp would only let you hear how really bad the Denon is.
hammergjh OP
157 posts
 
"I am listening". Good advice, people. Some contrary opinions. I need to weigh these. I AM enjoying parsing through the feedback, though. Don't know what I want to do, yet. I am leaning towards a new CDP and the Jolida intrigues me. I don't have the opportunity to listen prior to buying one of these.

I also don't have the opportunity to swap out components w/ friends. Hard to believe, but I personally don't know anyone w/ a system as good as mine. I'm going in blind, to some extent. I did w/ the Creek, the Music Hall and the Stratos.

Keep 'em coming boys and girls. This is almost as much fun as slapping in a new disk and turning up the volume (until my wife turns it down, that is).
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