Another Day, Another Upgrade.

I have been climbing up the upgrade ladder since 2019 and I may finally have reached the top.....again.

My system before my latest upgrade included a Hegel H390 integrated amp, a Jay’s Audio CDT2 MK 3 transport, Tyler Acoustics Highland H3.5 speakers, Townshend Acoustics Podiums and mid range Audioquest cables for speakers and transport connection. My room is thoroughly treated using GIK Acoustic panels and their recommendations. I thought that was my end to the upgrade process, but alas, no.

I sold my transport to upgrade to a CDT3 MK3 and when I received the new transport it started skipping very soon after I started using it. I had already sold my old one and the new tariffs made it too expensive to get another CDT3 MK3 ordered. I was able to return the defective unit and I did receive all of my money back, including shipping....whew! So, now what? I ended up buying a Bryston BCD3 to bridge the gap while I searched. It was a fine player and I really liked the sound of the Wolfson Chips, but I just didn’t feel like that was my answer. I decided to buy an Esoteric K03XD CD/SACD player. I bought some higher end RCA cables to connect it to the Hegel. WOW! This definitely has what it takes to end my long search. The detail, the sound stage! It’s smooth and is as close to vinyl i have ever heard a CD sound. I am really enjoying listening to all of my CD’s again for the first time! Have I felt this way before? Yes. Have I said, " I don’t know how it could be better than this."? Yes. So here I am with my current "’til death do us part" system and I am once again a very happy audiophile!