2. digital
  3. 1048909650

Looking for a digital front end...

I'm trying to find an inexpensive (under $1K) digital front end for GMA 1.5 speakers and a Rogue Tempest Magnum integrated amp. I'll probably upgrade in the future, but for now, I'm trying to go as inexpensive as possible. I like smooth, detailed sound, with good pace, slam and bass. I listen to jazz, heavy metal, rock, funk, trip-hop, electronic, bluegrass... you get the picture. I'm intrigued by the Jolida 100 and the Tjoeb, but don't know if they are what I'm looking for. Any thoughts & suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
eeerie1
zspradlin
143 posts
 
I own a Cal Audio CL-15 and have been very pleased with it's performance. You can pick one up used here on Audiogon for about $650. It has a variable output so that you can plug it directly into the amp. I found that to be useful when I was in the process of upgrading my pre-amp.
mike1diver
51 posts
 
I have a Cal Audio DX2 that I picked up really cheap, here on Audiogon. For the money, it has been on of the better cd players that I have owned. I have run it directly through one of my old HH Scott 299 integrated tube amps, and used the digital out through my MSB link III dacs and into the amp. It is a very warm and quiet player.
It is also hard to beat the Music Hall cd25. I have one of those running through an old Dynaco Pas2 into a couple of Dynaco Mk3 monoblocks.
Both are hard to beat, for the money, and pretty easy to find here on the 'Gon, and very easy to sell once you decide to upgrade.
Just my 2cents worth.
tobias
1,534 posts
 
I second the Music Hall CD25, also known as the Shanling CD-S100.
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