My Phish is Dead Cary it or Proceed to new Planet

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....

Viggen

I don't know this buying equipment over the Audiogon beast is interesting yet uncertain. Forgive me, earlier I meant to say I have never bought a piece of equipment without a good 6 hour test drive at home, sometimes a week. But my selection in Eugene is pretty limited and I'm used to Big City shopping. O.K. there is one drawback to this hippie town. Where are you anyway?
$100 mistake, seems like people sell these things after a week of having them. Stereo Junkies paradise. So tell me oh wise one, what's the down side to this game?