How much does CD player affect overall sound?


I have at present a Cambridge CD player. My other comp[otents are: Amp and preamp, Conrad Johnson, Speakers B&W 804s. Wondering how much more I would have to go to notice imrovement in over all sound? Jacknorth1178
jacknorth1178

Showing 1 response by tsciame

A lot, but so does everything else. There really is something to system matching. That said, I would have to ask what you feel you are missing that a new CDP would bring to the table.

You’ve got some nice gear, however both the CJ and the B&W’s have a very unique house sound. I have found CJ preamps to be overly dark, and slow (IMHO based upon personal experience with the Premier 3 and the Premier 14). I’ve also found the B&W to be a tab dark for my liking, unless properly matched (based upon poorly executed dealer demo’s).

FWIW, I’d rather have a mediocre CDP with a great pre/amp/speaker combo, than the other way around (a great CDP with a mediocre pre/amp/speaker combo) any day.