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buy upsample processor or new CD player? Or ... ?

I guess I'm working on an entry-level system, and am looking for bang-for-the-buck options to compliment my cd sound. What I'm working with: Vandersteen 2ce signatures, Sony 79es 5-disc changer, Denon 3802 reciever. I'll be able to shop for cable this summer, but right now I have MIT T-2 speaker cables and Coincident ICs. I just read about the GW Labs DSP upsampler in Bound for Sound, and for $399 it sounds like an interesting way to get more out of my non-SACD/non-DVDa CD collection. I think my CD player needs to be upgraded as well, but I can only afford to do one or the other. I am considering either a used Rega Planet or a used AH! Njoe Tjoeb 4000 if I can find a good price. I'm especially interested in feedback from anyone with the GW DSP or something comparable. I just wanted to hear what the better options would be. As I see it, the GW is an intriguing but unconfirmed step up that my current CD player might not do justice. Thanks in advance for your advice; I'm just starting out and have had really kind input here on Audiogon so far.
sfd101
sfd101 OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for responding. I'm still learning about DACs, and have never used one. I'm pretty sure that the Denon 3802 has built-in DACs for some (if not all) connections. Why couldn't I just connect the GW Labs upsampler to one of these connections via coaxial? The denon website for the 3802 says: "Analog Devices 24 bit, 96 kHz high resolution DACs on all eight channels • Real 24 bit, 96 kHz Digital Interface Receiver." Please someone help clarify, if you don't mind.

Again, would the difference in using an Upsampler and/or DAC be more significant sonically than what I would recieve if I upgraded my CD player? Or about the same? Or is this answer too system-dependent to tell? I also hear that the Ah! Njoe Tjoeb will be soon offered with an upsampler upgrade, so that might be an option.

Thanks again for your input.
--Steve
buckingham
333 posts
 
Steve, the Bel Canto DAC-1 at $499 upsamples. And believe me, the DAC inside this thing sounds much better than any Japanese made stuff including the Denon. The only difference between the DAC-1 and the DAC-1.1 is a slightly modified power supply, which only yields a minor increase in sound quality. So for $499 you're getting an upsampler and a great sounding DAC. You WILL hear the difference after adding some half decent speaker cables.
mtsars
6 posts
 
Steve,
Before you do anything, you should replace your speaker cables. I've heard MITs with Vandys before and I think it's a horrible combination. A few feet of Kimber 8TC would not expensive and yield you some excellent results. I would try to take the Sony cd player out of the mix and go for something that is better sonically as a transport and a DAC. The Njoe Tjoeb 4000 has some impressive reviews, but it is not as proven as the Rega planet. I think you should listen to both and see what works with your system.

Mike
jfacker
85 posts
 
I've heard the Bel Canto DAC 1 and the 1.1 in my system, and I agree, the 1.1 to my ears was only a minor improvement in certain areas. However, either one with a nice power cord and interconnects was a MAJOR improvement over the low dollar digital equipment I've used. Better than a Rega or comparably priced Arcam etc, I don't know but I suspect so. Plus you can hook it up to your DVD player and you've got a one box movie/music machine with very respectable sound. OK, two boxes.

I noticed that $500 DAC 1 too, and said to myself, that thing's gonna last about 30 seconds...

It's my humble opinion that upsampling is the ticket to an extended life span for 16/44 material. It remains to be seen whether or not it's going to be implemented in more mass market products (like the Denon and I think Onkyo has some upsampling receivers too). I sure hope so.
sedond
1,387 posts
 
a ~$130 art di/o w/~$5 upgraded powersupply will be equal or better than any cd player or dac up to $3k, imo. spend another $100-$200 on it to have it tweeked, & it gets even better...

doug s.
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