Help with next CDP upgrade...

Tpsonic, buying the Cardas cable and getting the Bel Canto DAC, both used, was specifically to be used with the Pioneer as a transport. I spent $200 for the cable, $200 for the Pioneer CDP, $500 for the Bel Canto, $600 to soup up the Pioneer (including Bybee filters), and $150 to upgrade the Bel Canto from 1.0 to 1.0. Now that I see it, I spent alot on this setup; however, I didn't spend it all in one shot. It took a span of about a year to get it all together and that doesn't include the different digital cables I tried until I settled on the Cardas.

An all-in-one CDP solution would be nice to have.

so what's the budget?

???, don't know.

I have heard your Bel Canto at my local dealer...and its a pretty impressive unit...not sure exactly what changes/improvements you are looking for...sounds like you have roughly $1650 invested in your digital front end which is a tidy sum...the above mentioned idea to go to a single box seems to be a good one based on simplicity alone...however the upgrade may prove marginal after monkeying with selling your current gear,etc...tough decision...I would personally see if you could do a home demo with a high end single box unit...and based on that comparison...make a decision to see if upgrading would be beneficial...there are many who could offer suggestions on makes/models...you already appreciate good sound...and it may seem strange to offer a suggestion from a product i have not had the pleasure of hearing....but Meridian cdps are legendary for their cd playback...anyway...hopes this helps and sorry for rambling...happy 4th