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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
Post removed 
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??
tweak1
3,644 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
Post removed 
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,106 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.
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
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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