Will a more resolving CDP improve my system?

Newbee,

While its true the pre-amp may be limiting your system, there is no doubt a high resolution cdp will still improve your system. In my experience speakers are always first in importance and the source (i.e cdp, turntable, etc) is second.

Good luck!

AVGURU

Chiho, I'm going to take a different approach. I too have the Soliloquy 6.3's, a wonderful , underrated speaker. Like Newbee I'm using older gear that was built in the 70's that sounds wonderful. What don't you like about the sound of your system? I've spent the same amount as you on my rig and just don't have the itch to change yet. Actually, if someone would have told me 3 years ago that I would spend this much on a 2 channel system I would have told them to put me in a straightjacket! They say that the source is the limiting factor but I have found that cables, room tweaks, isolation or coupling and so many other factors play a part in what you hear. Sometimes for a lot less than new equipment. All I'm saying is keep an open mind and enjoy what you have. Good luck in your adventure.

One way to test if the preamp is limiting the resolution of your system is to try connecting the RCA outputs of the Arcam directly to the power amp. Of course you will have no volume control, but if you select the right piece of music you will get an idea.

If you play Bolero, which starts off at a very low level, and have the remote handy, pinky on the "Stop" button, you'll get some way through the piece before you have to stop. Try it that way and with the pre-amp in place.

Regards,

I secnd Metralla's advice. Play the quiet piece WITH a pre FIRST and check out how long the low volume lasts. If you do not have Bolero, find another piece of music that increases in volume very gradually.

the Belero test is well known and very effective. The totally transparent sound will shock you. You may not be prepared for the results, good or bad!