My Phish is Dead Cary it or Proceed to new Planet

Viggen,

Take care of that baby, I know it's hard to rip yourself away in these early discovery days. As far as Hot Lips, hell I can't go there now but I think it is what got me in this 2 week old baby mess in the first place. So I'll pass.

Hey, I know your a Cal/ARC fellow but what do you think of the Jolita? The folks way out here in ORYGUN haven't really played with this Maryland toy, not in any of my stores.

I'm hesitant because of my Anthem 1, but then again that was a no brainer for me next to a nice Rotel.

TGIF-Suko

Hey Suko,

I am an EX CAL/ARC fella. I divorced CAL/ARC because I am into more of a mellow articulate sound rather than that classic high definition sound that I feel is suitable for the type of music genre you described earlier. Right now, I am using Meridian 500/518 to a Channel Island DAC.

I do believe the CAL DX2 and their other one box cd players are more mellowy/airy sounding. It is different with their Alpha and Sigma processors atleast with the Mullard tubes I had in them.

Regarding Jolida, I doubt it is my cup of tea, although, I've read nothing but praise on Agon and on just about any web sources I got my eyes on. Also, for live music, I believe the old Thetas would do a nice job too.

Also, there are plenty of arguments that claim new digital technology is better than digital technology from a few years ago. I compared the Channel Island DAC with my old Meridian 563 which is circa '95 I think. Albeit, I don't have upsampling, but I don't feel 24bit technology is all that. But, I am using the Channel Island DAC instead of the 563 because the CI doesn't have a pre-emphasis circuitry which makes it more compatible with the 518.

Viggen

Thanks Meridan has always enticed me but I did go for the Jolida. I don't know I think it may be double jeopardy. I loved the change to my Anthem so I am hoping for the same with a tube CD. I don't know I have never bought a piece of gear before I have bought it. So this will be a learning experience. I guess if you hate it it is only a $100 mistake and a couple more 5:30 searches. Take care. Tyler

Hi Suko,

I do not find the Musical Fidelity A308cr clinical at all, but I could see someone who is very happy with a more lush, less detailed CD player seeing it that way. I guess it depends on what you are listening to now and your personal preferences.

When I got my purchased my present CD player I went to a dealer to change my amp/preamp because I thought that was the problem in my system. He suggested that the problem was the Cary CD player. He is also a Cary dealer. He was right and I purchased the Musical Fidelity CD player. I have not looked back.

As far as live recordings go, the entire Phish Spring tour is available for download at their website. I was at the Continental Arena show in New Jersey that had BB King jam with the band for an hour. I would suggest that to you. Any of the String Cheese shows are worthwhile. Check the setlist and pick the show with your favorite tunes. I saw them at Radio City Music Hall last year and they did an unbelieveable Yes Roundabout. Worthwhile.

Good Luck.
Drew

Hey Tyler,

It is only a $100 dollar mistake? Let me know where you can get Jolidas for $100.

Actually, I am contemplating on getting a tube cd player again too. I was exagerrating about my "love affair" for my new dac, CI Audio VDA-1. I will look into Audio Note CD players for now.

Let me know how your Jolida works out. If you bought it new, I read somewhere that burning in takes quite a while ofr that unit. Maybe the same can be said about my new DAC....