2. digital
  3. 1233444268

Hopelessly mid fi?

I recently hooked up an 80 gb ipod to my system through an Apple dock and did an A/B with my CD player. I am able to match the db level between the two via the volume control on the CDP, and switch between sources instantaneously for a meaningful comparison. Much to my chagrin, the difference was minimal at best. So I brought in a Squeezebox and hooked a digital IC into the CDP's DAC with similar results using both compressed (AAC 192) and Apple Lossless formats. From what I have read on this site, I assumed that it shouldn't be possible that compressed or streaming digital should rival the sound of, by all accounts, a reputable CDP (name intentionally withheld). But it does.

Is it possible to assemble a digital front-end, for say, less than $2K, that would produce a meaningful improvement over both the ipod and Squeezebox? An external DAC perhaps? Or is my system simply not capable of resolving the differences? I'd prefer not to overhaul the rest of my system if possible which includes an Odyssey Candella preamp and Extreme mono amps, Von Schwiekert VR-4jr speakers and Virtual Dynamic Nite II cables.

Thanks for your thoughts.
sydneysophia

Showing 4 responses by sydneysophia

sydneysophia OP
18 posts
 
Thanks to all that responded. Blindjim, I do rip using error correction. And the differences I could detect had to do with soundstage width and to a lesser degree, depth. While not an indictment, the CDP is a Cary 303/200-which I have always liked. And Hens, I wouldn't say I am unhappy with the sound of my system per se, just trying to sensibly extract more from it. Haven't changed things in awhile. All recommendations welcome. Thanks again.
sydneysophia OP
18 posts
 
Sdatch may be on to something. The music in question is/was, in fact, rock. Perhaps more experimentation with different forms of music is in order. And Lwood, the same thought occurred to me as well. Could be down stream.

Thanks to all for their input.
sydneysophia OP
18 posts
 
Thanks to all who took the time to respond. Blindjim-thanks again for the thoughts. I am currently experimenting with leaving the tube preamp out of the chain and running the CDP straight into the amps. And I a bottleneck. Noticeably better soundstage and transients running direct. While I do need a pre, perhaps there are some in your experience that might fit the bill. Given my musical preference, I am thinking solid state. I like the details. Needs two pre-outs, remote, standby mode ideally, used will do. Thoughts?
sydneysophia OP
18 posts
 
Thanks Blindjim. Need two pre-outs for subs/bi-amping. I like what removing the tube preamp did in my system (cleaner highs, stronger/taught lows), so I prefer to experiment with SS. Too much detail missing with what were sold as more "dynamic" tubes. I am not married to any one component, but would prefer to integrate things one piece at a time to fully realize the changes any one piece can make. Your time is appreciated.
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