I went looking for a CD player this weekend. I have needed the up grade for a while now and I decided to seek out the Wadia 850, the Meridian 805, and the Resolution Audio CD 50 (CD 50, Carl's suggestion). I couldn't find Meridian or CD 50(their old web page said they had it), but I did find a nice DCS up sampling setup. I ended up listening to two different systems in two different stores...both direct to amp. In the first store, I listened to a Levenson transport with the dcs up sampling gear, running into Krell, out to Wilson watt/puppy 6s. The resolution difference was clear...there was just more after upsampling to 24/192. The problem was it sounded bad...electronic air. I must admit that Paul Simon's Graceland isn't an acoustic album by any means, but I don't think that his naturally flat vocal delivery should have dull plastic sizzle to it either. Perhaps it was the the amps or speakers that I didn't like, but whatever it was, it was magnified when turned up to 24/192. I am going to take my Pass 3 to give the setup another chance. The next system I heard consisted of a Wadia 850 running into a CJ solid state, and out to Amati Homage speakers. What can I say, I am smiling as I type. The bass extention was not as great but who cares? The sound was focused, clear, open, smooth...blubber blubber blubber. BUT, upon putting in Cesaria Evora's Cafe Atlantico, I realized that it was not the real thing. I have heard her. The PA that her voice was coming through wasn't the best, but she never sounded tart...only creamy. I am going to take my amp to that store as well, probably some time next month, with the same two CDs. I have about 100 records but most of my stuff is 16/44 and that is why I went hunting for a cd player. I am still going to need to up grade my CD player, but I have a new interest in vinyl. I have to drive a long distance to audition anything good, so I'll keep you all posted in my little audio adventures.
