I too have the Cal Icon II (non-HDCD) and have been interested in a cost-effective upgrade. My own research has led me to the new Jolida 100 CDP, but I've never heard one myself yet. I have listened to a few other lower-cost CD players but none have been as good as the Icon so I've held off. I hope to hear the Jolida soon. You can get one for under $800. It seems that I would have to spend at least $2000 to get a used player that would sound better to me than the Cal. Perhaps, like you, I should just stay where I am. FYI, I bought a Sigma II DAC but have not been able to discern a big difference with the Icon. I changed the tube to a NOS Mullard, but still don't think there's much of a change. The Icon is a great player, don't sell it, keep it as a spare!
need help Unpgrading from CAL Ikon MK II
My system consists of:
Audio Electronic Supply SE-1 Amp (300B tube, 7W with volume control)
Silverline Panatella II speaker (92 dB)
Cal Ikon Mk II (the old model, not the HDCD model)
I am thinking about getting a better CDP that cost no more than $1000 (used or new) and should be a substancial improvement from the Ikon II
I listen to a lot of female vocal, Jazz, some Classics and pretty much everything, but heavy metal and rap.
I am looking for something that excells in female vocal and sound stage with transparency and probably a good focuss.
I have heard a good thing about $1000 players like RegaPlanet 2000, and so on. My concern is that I am not sure if I will hear big improvement over the Ikon II that I have. I would rather stick with the Ikon 2 if the improvement is not worth spending money.
I know many people will be happily to spend a few more grands just for a little improvement in thier system, but unfortunately I don't that fatty pocket to do so. So I am looking for a best bang for the buck upgrade route.
Was thinking about Cary 308 and Arcam CD23 as well and also thinking about getting a good outboard D/A instead of a new player. Interesting on those tube output player as well (Ah!, Heart and so on)
Any thoughts on this would be really appreciated, especially for the one getting a chance to compare the Ikon Mk2 (or Ikon 2 with ouboard D/A) with other players within this price range.
Ake
Audio Electronic Supply SE-1 Amp (300B tube, 7W with volume control)
Silverline Panatella II speaker (92 dB)
Cal Ikon Mk II (the old model, not the HDCD model)
I am thinking about getting a better CDP that cost no more than $1000 (used or new) and should be a substancial improvement from the Ikon II
I listen to a lot of female vocal, Jazz, some Classics and pretty much everything, but heavy metal and rap.
I am looking for something that excells in female vocal and sound stage with transparency and probably a good focuss.
I have heard a good thing about $1000 players like RegaPlanet 2000, and so on. My concern is that I am not sure if I will hear big improvement over the Ikon II that I have. I would rather stick with the Ikon 2 if the improvement is not worth spending money.
I know many people will be happily to spend a few more grands just for a little improvement in thier system, but unfortunately I don't that fatty pocket to do so. So I am looking for a best bang for the buck upgrade route.
Was thinking about Cary 308 and Arcam CD23 as well and also thinking about getting a good outboard D/A instead of a new player. Interesting on those tube output player as well (Ah!, Heart and so on)
Any thoughts on this would be really appreciated, especially for the one getting a chance to compare the Ikon Mk2 (or Ikon 2 with ouboard D/A) with other players within this price range.
Ake
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