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CD Player pairing with Electrocompaniet ECI3

Hi Audiogoners,

Looking for some suggestion on a Digital front-end (CD/SACD) to bring my Electrocompaniet ECI3 + Monitor Audio RS1 system to next level. I'm currently using a Rega Planet as a transport and a Musical Fidelity V-DAC as my digital front-end. The system sounds pretty amazing but I think there is potential to take it further by upgrading my digital source.

Does anyone have any ideas on which CDP to upgrade to? I'm looking for more detail and focus along with more flesh/realism in my sound with out loosing the existing musicality. Can I even improve upon my setup keeping the ECI3/MA RS1s? Please advise.
ket
ket OP
5 posts
 
I'll look further into those DACs. The Benchmark and ECD1 have gotten a lot of press and prices starting to dip a little. I guess DACs do in the end offer a little more flexibility plus they are a more cost effective path to upgrading as well.
the_kid's avatar
the_kid
465 posts
 
My experience is somewhat dated as I owned my ECI-3 a few years ago. However, the best results I experienced was paired with a Sony XA7ES CD Player via Balanced interconnects. I still miss listening to that combo sometimes as it sounded way better than it ever should have. This was paired with a pair of Sonus Faber speakers.

I now use an Electrocompaniet ECD-1 DAC and also own a EMC-1UP CD Player for my digital front end which would both probably match well with the ECI-3. However, that XA7ES paired with the ECI-3 was magic. Whatever you do make sure you utilize the XLR connections on that amp as it sounded significantly better than using one of the single ended inputs. (At least in my setup) Good luck!

-Chris
ket OP
5 posts
 
I did consider the Electrocompaniet ECD1... I found the Electrocompaniet ECM-1UP CDP a little laid back. I figured the ECD1 might have similar sound characteristics. I dont find the Monitor Audio RS1 lacking in any resolving power. Thats why I figured I could upgrade my source. The Benchmark I heard from various reviews is a little dry and a tad analytical. I should just a chance to go audition it myself. I'm looking for that balance like everyone else I guess between detail and musicality. Thanks for all of the recommendations. These are all good starting points...ultimately...I need to audition them all to get a better feel for what I am after.
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