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Diminishing returns?

This may have been discussed ad nauseam, I am new here. I only play remastered CDs. No Streaming. I have a large collection including MoFi Gold discs and some Japan SHM CDs. I have maybe a dozen SACD Hybrid, mostly Dylan. System is Focal 926 floor speakers, Pass Labs XA 30.5 amp, an old Cary Cinema 11 for the TV and control center. In January I purchased the new Quad Artera Play+ CD player that also allows for streaming, cost $1950. It really sounds terrific but my brain is getting in the way of reason the more I read about the Marantz Ruby Sa1 and the CD only functioning Hegel Mohican. Would there me "noticeable" listening experience in either of the two aforementioned players to the tune of $3000 and $4000 respectively? It would be a struggle financially to make such a move but am curious of you folks expert opinions!
Thanks.
voodudrew2

Showing 1 response by verdantaudio

verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,517 posts
 
i have recently done some testing on this with DACs rather than full CD players but when you upgrade, a big part of the upgrade should be a better DA Converter and analog output stage. 

My experience is there is way more difference between a $2K DAC and a $10K DAC than between a $2k amp and $10K amp.  There is a shocking amount of tradeoff between detail and soundstage and image.  

I cannot speak about the exact products you are discussing as I have not heard them.  It is worth your time (and possibly your money) to explore it.  You might find you get more than you think.  


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