Digital Front End.. help please

Audio Logic 34 DSM with a CEC TL2 transport. If you want analog sound this combo is as close as I've been able to get to my Well-Tempered Reference Table. I've tried a lot of DACs and CD players and they all sound digital to me. I am on my second Audio Logic and the CEC TL2 is amazing if you want an analog sound. I sold the first Audio Logic thinking I might find something better and after a year of trying different things went back to the Audio Logic. The current Audio Logic is a model 2400 which may be slightly better, but you will have to pay around $2400 for one. The 34 will blow you away and it can be had for half that or even better if you're lucky. Do your homework and call Jerry Ozment. He is considered by many to know more about digital than just about anyone and his designs are often disguised behind other names such as Jadis, Altis, and VAC. Don't be fooled into believing that so much has changed in the last couple of years with DACs, and remember most of us have a lot of 16 bit CDs. And you can always upgrade an Audio Logic to current for a relatively small investment if you find the need for higher sampling rates. The model 34 is 20 bit with an all tube output and very powerful external power supply ($4800 new). Good luck, and if you have questions feel free to ask.

I am not familar with the Vecteur D-2 so cannot comment. How much does it cost? I've seen some pretty good deals on the TL2. They are built like tanks and easily serviced by Parasound if necessary.

If you really want to save on the transport I'd suggest a Sony DVP S-700 DVD player. These are very highly regarded as a transport and can be had very cheaply at $3-400. I've used one for a few years now for my video system and they are very well built and reliable.

To the best of my knowledge CEC is alive and well and is owned by Parasound who does all the repair work on them. I would not worry about it. Parasound certainly is not going anywhere. I have had no problem with mine and I've owned it for almost 3 years. Audio Logic is very reliable in my experience and if it does break (and anything can) Jerry Ozment stands behind what he makes. Once again though, if you really want to save some bucks look for a used model 34. You will not be disappointed with CEC and Audio Logic, but you may have to wait a bit if you want one used. Audio Logic is not a big name and those in the know tend to keep them. Good luck with it.