Jolida J100, Shanling CDT100, or 640C with DAC?


OK GUYS! I narrowed down the search to these.

1) Get the Jolida... I can always upgrade through mods over time, gives me a slight upgrade over the 640C that I have now. I would sell the 640C.

2) Shanling CDT100... just outside my budget but a strong midrange front to it. TUBES! I would sell my 640C.

3) Sim Audio Equinox... solid state but a nice all in one player

4) Keep the 640C and get the Audio Mirrot DAC to team up with it.

Whats your thoughts?
rkerv
Having compared the 640c several times to my Jolida, I would get the Jolida hands down! Put some nice tubes in the Jolida and it will kill the 640c. no contest.
I totally agree about that... but I am going to use the 640C as just a transport. The Audio Mirror DAC will be the huge difference there.
It's a tough call between 3 and 4. There is a soft spot in my heart for the Sim, but the Audio Mirror DAC has been an excellent companion to my Alesis CDP which I am using as a transport. Option 4 will save you some money.

As a side note. I'm a big tube fan (amp, preamp, and phono stage). If you have not done so already I implore you to email or speak to Vlad at Audio Mirror as to why he did not build a tube DAC. If you don't have any other components that are tube based, a tube CDP like the Jolida with excellent NOS tubes can add a nice touch (I'm not a big fan of Shanling) to your system. However, a home audition with the Audio Mirror would be my first choice. If it doesn't work out send it back. You could also list it on Audiogon and sell it immediately for near cost. Heck I'm even considering buying another one.

Good luck with your decision. Really, other than the Shanling IMO you will be happy. Just happier with the Audio Mirror ;)