After 20+ years, my Sony STR-6800 receiver finally gave out and I decided to move up in the world. Since I can afford more now than I could in college, I've recently started to upgrade. The one thing I haven't upgraded, obviously, is my cd player. However, what I have now sounds lightyears better (e.g. more real, more there, more more) than what I had. My wife wholeheartedly agrees and is quite pleased with the improvement. I'd appreciate any input on the following: 1) What should I do on the CD side that would be compatable with the amp and speakers (in other words, not so much better that I would immediately feel obligated to replace the amp or speakers to get the most out of my CD source)? 2) Aside from the cd player, what would be the next weakest link? (I've not yet become "addicted" to constant improvement, but reading various things here and other places is starting to make me twitchy.) As to what we listen to, classical, jazz, and 60's-80's rock.
you have a very nice system. I would also suggest replacing the CD player. I have the MF A300 amp with BW N805 speakers. I am using the MF A3CD on the front end and I am extremely happy with the match. The A3 will get you more air, more detail, and a better soundstage. Start with the CD player and as Joel suggested try a Powerchord upgrade.
Good work and glad that your "new toys" are exciting for both you and your wife. With that in mind, i would suggest looking for a used CAL combo of either the Delta transport and Sigma DAC or Delta transport and Alpha DAC. Let me give you a brief rundown as to the differences. Both the Sigma and Alpha are available in either 18 bit or 24 bit models. The 24 bit versions will set you back more money. In terms of sonics, the 18 bit models will tend to sound quite warm and full with a very smooth and relaxing top end. These come across as being very "musical" and will minimize the "harshness" or "glare" that you might be experiencing with some / most cd's. The Alpha is simply a "dual mono" version of the Sigma. As such, it uses two tubes in the output section whereas the Sigma only has one. The benefit to this is greater channel seperation, more "air", better detail and a more defined soundstage. The 24 bit versions sound FAR more open sounding but lack some of the warmth and "body" that make the 18 bit versions so "musical". High frequency resolution and detail are improved with a much more "open" presentation though, so this might be more your cup of tea depending on your preferences and the sonics of your current system. I don't think that you would be unsatisfied with either combo. Both are very pleasant and highly enjoyable to listen to. You can even somewhat "fine tune" the overall sonics and characteristics by simply plugging and unplugging various low cost tubes ( DON'T be put off because these use "ancient technology" ). If you take your time and exercise a bit of patience, you can sometimes see these pieces turn up on the used market for a steal. I'm almost afraid to publicly state what i've found them for ( i've purchased several of these for friends' systems, etc.). Good luck and enjoy.... Sean >
Nice system please upgrade the CD player ...Try the Rega, Cary , Sonic Frontiers $$$, Meridian on the used market here or on Ebay . Caution CD players are more prone to problems that electronics so deal with a reputable seller! Nice System !
I agree you need a new CD player. You can find demo's of the Cambridge D500SE at AudioAdvisor.com for $350. That would be a good place to start. The Creek is fine and also look at a Rega Planet or Rotel RCD-971.
I'm with the above 2 posts. The only thing you really need to replace is the cd player. Absolutely do that first. Then listen for awhile before doing anything else. You may find that you don't feel the need for other changes. As for what to buy--do your research. Look here, on audioasylum, audioreview, and harmonic discord. Then go out and listen to anything that strikes your fancy and is within your budget.
There are some really good inexpensive CD players available used on this site pretty frequently, like the CAL Icon Mk II (usually about $400-500), the Ah Tjoeb! players ($300 for the 99 to $450-500 for the 2000), and the Adcom 750. The Cambridge Audio D500 SE sells new for $479 I think, and that is a really good, current model 24/96 player. For more money, you should consider the Arcam FMJ and the Musical Fidelity CD player that would match your amp. I've seen both of these pieces for sale used here on Audiogon recently as well. Finding a good modern CD player will be easy, and fun!
You have wonderful speakers and a good integrated amp. They will be very faithful in the reproduction of whatever source signal they are provided. My recommendation is budget as much as you can for a good CD player. I recently upgraded from a Creek CD43 (retail $995) to a Linn Ikemi (retail $3600). I have a Plinius 8150 integrated and B&W Matrix 803s. It was an unbelievable improvement and I do not feel that I must rush out and upgrade the amp and speakers. Shop around, listen to as many as you can . . . your current amp and speakers deserve a quality source. After that, consider upgraded power cords. Happy listening, Joel
