IWalker
Well-known member
Agreed, though I think you would be hard pressed to find anything in the $600 range that is going to output SACD though a tube output. I could be wrong, of course.
Looking for a CD player under $600 used, warm and personal sounding...
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I can't answer that because I don't have a modified one yet. There's no question that an external DAC helped the CD and DVD audio on the 970 I was able to try, though. Also, the sole business of Reference Audio Mods is modifying many varied brands to improve their quality (see their website here), and they sell new some brands with mods (like the Oppo 970). I've heard excellent things about the quality and sonic results of their work, so I decided to give them a try with a modified 970. I'll let you know how it goes.
Mine is flawless too. 
Mine is flawless too.
Yeah, right. Flawless. That's why your replacing it?
lugano
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We must give Jeff a medal. He's been the living proof that Joeyits must and can be fought against. But.. but... even master Yoda has to pay the tribute to this disease, there is no escape
Just got a better one that also plays SACD's
I may even sell my DAC!!
Jeff
I may even sell my DAC!!
Jeff
asindc
Well-known member
Some thoughts after doing a bit of research...
All of the responses here have been helpful to me in deciding how to upgrade my system. After receiving the sage advice of my fellow ML Club members, I did a bit more research off forum. Here are some of my thoughts:
1) Upgrading CD player-
Pros: Small learning curve, least expensive option;
Cons: Probably won't provide the most dramatic improvement.
2) Adding DAC to system-
Pros: Provides more improvement than upgrading CDP, adds versatility to system;
Cons: Steeper learning curve in terms of options and specs, more expensive than CD player.
3) Adding 2ch preamp to system-
Pros: Might provide greatest improvement;
Cons: Most expensive option, might be a challenge integrating into system with an HT preamp.
I'm going to do a bit more research before deciding. Any additional thoughts and/or particular brand suggestions will be appreciated.
Anthony
All of the responses here have been helpful to me in deciding how to upgrade my system. After receiving the sage advice of my fellow ML Club members, I did a bit more research off forum. Here are some of my thoughts:
1) Upgrading CD player-
Pros: Small learning curve, least expensive option;
Cons: Probably won't provide the most dramatic improvement.
2) Adding DAC to system-
Pros: Provides more improvement than upgrading CDP, adds versatility to system;
Cons: Steeper learning curve in terms of options and specs, more expensive than CD player.
3) Adding 2ch preamp to system-
Pros: Might provide greatest improvement;
Cons: Most expensive option, might be a challenge integrating into system with an HT preamp.
I'm going to do a bit more research before deciding. Any additional thoughts and/or particular brand suggestions will be appreciated.
Anthony
Anthony, I would encourage you to take door number 3.
Like you I have an integrated a-v setup. I used (and still do) a Pioneer Elite universal as a source. I've since added a dedicated tube cdp; big upgrade in sonics. However, I must hasten to add that before the cdp I added a tube preamp so that the audio signals (from cdp and tt) would not have to pass the receiver. I would not have appreciated the cdp as much, if the signal had to pass the receiver. (Quite easy to integrate, btw; just research "ht bypass.")
About cdp and dac -- I'm not into music servers, but you could be, as many of our fellow members are. In which case you might compile their advice regarding dacs.
But I'd do the 2ch preamp first (and I did, to my satisfaction).
Good luck and happy upgrading!
Like you I have an integrated a-v setup. I used (and still do) a Pioneer Elite universal as a source. I've since added a dedicated tube cdp; big upgrade in sonics. However, I must hasten to add that before the cdp I added a tube preamp so that the audio signals (from cdp and tt) would not have to pass the receiver. I would not have appreciated the cdp as much, if the signal had to pass the receiver. (Quite easy to integrate, btw; just research "ht bypass.")
About cdp and dac -- I'm not into music servers, but you could be, as many of our fellow members are. In which case you might compile their advice regarding dacs.
But I'd do the 2ch preamp first (and I did, to my satisfaction).
Good luck and happy upgrading!
David Matz
Well-known member
Preamp over a CD Player?
There is a lot of debate which is the most important component in the chain. Many people believe the CD player is even more important than the speakers. Since, this is an ML forum, most of us probably don't believe that!
However, I would go with a CD player over a preamp, as your upstream components make the most difference. Even a high quality interconnect will make a huge difference when connected between your CD player and preamp. If you have a lesser CD player and a junky interconnect, whatever is fed into your preamp is already greatly compromised.
For approx. $500 you can get the Rotel 1072 used. For $750 or so, you can get the highly reviewed Rega Apollo, which is 15-20% off world class. Once you get the CD player and if you have another $600-$700, a Musical Fidelity A3 CR preamp or Bryston BP 20 preamp could work great.
There is a lot of debate which is the most important component in the chain. Many people believe the CD player is even more important than the speakers. Since, this is an ML forum, most of us probably don't believe that!
However, I would go with a CD player over a preamp, as your upstream components make the most difference. Even a high quality interconnect will make a huge difference when connected between your CD player and preamp. If you have a lesser CD player and a junky interconnect, whatever is fed into your preamp is already greatly compromised.
For approx. $500 you can get the Rotel 1072 used. For $750 or so, you can get the highly reviewed Rega Apollo, which is 15-20% off world class. Once you get the CD player and if you have another $600-$700, a Musical Fidelity A3 CR preamp or Bryston BP 20 preamp could work great.
I am definitely selling my Rotel 1072 and my DAC.
Just food for thought
Jeff
Just food for thought
Jeff
DTB300
Well-known member
The system will only sound as good as the source presented to it. But even with a great source, bad downstream components can also have an affect. If the sound of your source is the cause for concern, the upgrade there.
If it was me, I would consider two paths:
- I would save up the $$$, get a better source, then get a better Pre
- I would buy a DAC for Redbook and get a better Pre
Dan
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