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Need guidance on system config...help

OK, my head is about to explode. Been doing a fair amount of reading and would appreciate your guidance to narrow things down: I need to decide which upgrade path to take regarding cd source/DAC/preamp.

I only do stereo and only use CD as a source. I have a tubed McIntosh MC275, B&W 804s, and a Rel Storm III, which are staying. I also have a Rotel pre and a Rotel CD player, which are eventually going.

These are the configuration options I see, to be connected to the amp:
a) CD player with built in volume, like a McIntosh MCD500 ($6500 new)
b) CD transport + DAC w/built-in volume, like an Esoteric P70 and D70 ($6000 used)
c) pre + CD player. Many options, but for example Rowland Capri ($2500 used) and Esoteric X03-SE ($5000 used)

Should I expect an older top of the line transport/DAC combo like to P70/D70 sound better than a newer CD player such as the X03-SE and even a recent player like MCD500? I read comments saying this technology has advanced a lot in the last few years...

Input from experienced users to help me bring this into perspective will be greatly appreciated. Where I live auditioning these options is out of the question, just like buying and trying...

Thank you!
lewinskih01
7 responses Add your response
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
AMR CD77 - used (in your budget)
One of the best IMO.
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RWA ISABELLA PREAMP with build-in NOS DAC and headphone amp
-Modwright Transporter or Mac as the source

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almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
I have no specific listening experience relevant to your question, but my instinct would be to go with a recent high quality, well reviewed, cd player with built-in volume control.

Why add the complexity, cabling, etc., of a full-fledged preamp when all you need is a volume control?

And I think that the usual audiophile instinct that separates tend to be better than combo units is not necessarily applicable in the case of a cd transport and dac. Transmitting the digital signal cleanly and jitter-free between transport and dac is a considerable technical challenge, with lots of opportunity for performance degradation if the design of either unit or the cable in between is not done to perfection.

Regards,
-- Al
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,197 posts
 
Another option to at least be aware of is Roku Soundbridge (which has volume control) with separate DAC connected to CDs ripped to a music server via WiFi.
Post removed 
tweak1
3,658 posts
 
Raysonic 168 is an outstanding player at any price, but when you use the XLR variable outs into a differentially balanced amp you have a world beater
lewinskih01 OP
909 posts
 
Thanks for the input so far. I'll look into the Raysonic 168, CD-77, and Audio Aero Capitole SE, which I'm not familiar with.

However it's still puzzling that a $3500 current player would outperform a combo like the P70/D70 which were top of the line 4/5 years ago and still go used for about $6000. Are people paying $6k for these just unskilled spenders??
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