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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
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).
blw
147 posts
 
Here's another opinion. I've owned a fair amount of B&K stuff, which is pretty good but not nearly at the level of some of the other stuff that's been mentioned here. Somebody mentioned a CJ - something like a PV12 can be had for well under $1000 used, and can really give you a boost.

I don't know much about that CDP, but the Jolida gets good reviews from almost all quarters.
nudaddy
13 posts
 
I am not sure I understand. The jolida will not put your mmf7/goldring to shame, (in fact, it may not match it) therfore if you purchase a cd player would you have really upgraded if you already own a source which would basically shame most CD players?

In general, the same dollars spent to upgrade an analog rig yields more bang for buck than digital. If you aren't happy with the mmf AND cdp, then truly, you have to ask yourself what about your system is it that you are unsatisfied with and go from there......

I thinks you are unsatisified with your system regardless of your source...and that's why you have the bug.....

Maybe a DIY pre-amp tube kit on the cheap or perhaps EVS attenuators on the back of the amp as a passive setup (rick shultz of EVS would even impedance match the devices as best he could for you)

If you were local I'd lend you a DPA Bigger Bit dac I have for sale and let you hook it up to your CDP just for kicks to see if this approach is worth your while....

Hey, another thing, your preamp is still a tuner, even with a preamp upgrade......

BORROW or Purchase a used unit always in demand and it will cost you little to experiment. Unless your married, then it could cost you big time.
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