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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 lewinskih01

lewinskih01 OP
911 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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