Thanks guys for your responses; they were very helpful! FYI, I'm pretty well set in the cable department since my entire system is connected with Synergistic Designer's Reference Squared w/Active Shielding. As you guys suggested, this leaves me with a few options starting with the transport, as well as a S/W upgrade path if I stay with an all dCS system (my preference, but expensive). And if I end up preferring converting redbook CD's to DSD (vs. 24/192 upsampled PCM), I could always sell my balanced digital cables.
dCS Verdi: Upsampled PCM vs. Converting PCM to DSD
I have a dCS Purcell/Delius combo and am considering buying the dCS Verdi SACD/CD transport to replace my Sonic Frontiers T3 so that I can take advantage of dCS's clock link provision in addition to playing SACDs. I was surprised to learn that the cost of upgrading the Purcell/Delius with the 1394 digital interface and new software will run around $5400 for both units in addition to the $11K MSRP of the Verdi. Since my interest in SACD is secondary giving what's currently available, I am particularly interested in the sonic improvement, if any, that the Verdi and associated S/W upgrades, will provide:
(1) as an improvement in transport ( and one that will clock link) to upsample 16/44.1 "redbook" CDs to 24/192.
AND,
(2) is the ability to convert 16/44.1 PCM "redbook" CDs to a DSD data stream sonically superior (or inferior) to upsampling redbook CDs to 24/192 PCM?
Your counsel/experience would be greatly appreciated given the potential expense involved.
(1) as an improvement in transport ( and one that will clock link) to upsample 16/44.1 "redbook" CDs to 24/192.
AND,
(2) is the ability to convert 16/44.1 PCM "redbook" CDs to a DSD data stream sonically superior (or inferior) to upsampling redbook CDs to 24/192 PCM?
Your counsel/experience would be greatly appreciated given the potential expense involved.