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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

Showing 1 response by almarg

almarg's avatar
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
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