System edited: There will be alot of change over the coming months. Will be trying some bi-amping, so will drop the Analysis Plus for a couple runs of Furutech bi-amping speaker cable. I am also looking for a non spinning disk streaming audio solution, so the Naim NS01 is also on the block.
stay with the redbok player. Chances are very high that most of your listening will be redbook, so that's where you should focs your energies. I concur ith the Naim CDX2, especially since you can always add-on the XPS.
As for a ML 39/390S, I had one for several years, and while it's a marveous player, it's really much better with a good preamp in te mix. I was unimpressed with the Esoteric universal player.
I would add Ayre CX-7 to your slected upgrade choices.....
If you like the Classe Omega, take a look at the new Classe Delta series CDP, or if you want SACD, the DVP. They are not yet on their website, but they are available.
Sony SCD-777es is a good deal if you can find one -- they go for 1500-1800 on Audiogon, but disappear within minutes (literally). I got mine for only 1450 because it has a tiny ding on the faceplate, which doesn't matter to me at all. I checked it out in my system -- good timing, detail, and imaging, but somewhat mechanical and flat sounding. I've sent it to Richard Kern for mods -- the main modification is the clock upgrade, which I've already heard in my SCD-775 with fantastic results in terms of low-level resolution, timbre, and natural sound. The clock upgrade is only $300 or so (plus shipping to Oregon and back). I'm also getting the transport and audio board electronics upgrades. If you like, I'll give you a report. This may be your least expensive option for a very good CDP plus the bonus of SACD capability. The jump from CD to SACD is not subtle -- my wife and kids needed no prompting to notice and appreciate it.
I had a thought. What if I got a ML 39. As it has the processor built in, I could leave the 5-DIN to RCA connections to AV2 for the Arcam DVD player and utilize the XLR connections from the ML to XLR connections on the Pass Amp. This way, I bypass the Naim unit entirely and use the theoretically (prodding here) better ML for two channel. I know Wadia can also do this, what other CD players have this processor functionality and have XLR connections?
