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New Midrange vs. Older High-End CD Transports

A have a Denon 2900 Univeral player that I had been using as a CD transport, but decided to purchase an older Krell MD-20 since I thought it would have better sound. I had been listening merrily along, when I came along a CD that had a lot of tracking errors on the Krell. I checked the CD on the Denon, and it played flawlessly. I then decided to do a serious listening comparison between the two (both using the same DA converter), and realized I could not hear any difference, which surprised me, given the much more expensive (even at today’s prices) Krell.

What are the opinions of older high-end CD transports vs. newer less expensive ones? I am amazed at how much better the newer Denon tracks problematic CD’s, but as mentioned was surprised at the lack of sonic difference.
smeyers

Showing 1 response by gs5556

gs5556
1,243 posts
 
Without knowing the equipment you're playing it through, the lack of sonic difference can be attributed to the preamp, amp and/or speakers. It's the synergy thing. From my experiences, the sonic difference of a big ticket component is not as spectacular as the price tag would suggest unless the associated equipment is of equal pedigree. If you slap a set of $2,000 Pirelli's on a Yugo, you can't appreciate what they're capable of as you would if you put them on a Ferrari - just making a point; not a jab at yours or anyone's system ;)

BTW, the Krell unit's age may be showing. The laser sounds like it's out of adjustment.
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