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Optimizing my CD Source - what to do?

I've been following multiple threads on the topic of "Best CD Player for under $1000, or $1500, or (insert your budget here)", or similar.

I really need some assistance with the following questions:

If my budget is $1500 (preferably closer to $1000), and I'm interested primarily in Redbook playback -

1) Will my money produce real, obvious benefit over other players I've tried (see below), and the Sony DVP NC555es 5 disc SACD changer I'm currently using?

2) I'm running an Audio Mirror D2 NOS DAC; will I be just as well off getting a lesser player, or transport that has less in the way of processing but presumeably a comparable transport? For example, would the Rega Planet perform just as well as the Jupiter if I'm using the AM DAC?

3) I'm considering Rega Jupiter or Apollo, Musical Fidelity A3.2, Meridian 502.24. Any recommendations?

Backgound:
- My system consists of a Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista preamp, B&K M200 Sonata amplifiers, Totem Mani-2, Rel Storm III sw, various IC's, PS Audio statement spk cables, Pink Triangle 'table w/AQ PT6 arm, Grado Reference Sonata cart.

- I have tried multiple single disk players, including NAD C541i, Denon DVD2200 univ/sacd player, Sony DVP s7700, and none of them materially (indeed noticeably) outperformed my Sony DVP NC555es 5 disc SACD changer (ie on red book)
bdgregory

Showing 1 response by matrix

matrix
305 posts
 
Rega is a good piece, but not necessary for a transport, there are better.. Even a solid cheap single disc sony can sound as good for the transport duty.. But yeah keep that DAC its excellent, I have used Wadia, Sony, Pioneer, and teac transports on it. The Wadia was very good, but a Sony former flagship built like a tank DVD player was just as good for far less money! Gotta experiment a little, but the Rega is a choice that I have heard as a transport and was nice, but not better, if you buy a rega it would be to use it as a standalone player to at least get the benifit of the rega sound which is pretty good, you will not be benefiting using it as a transport in this case... But the DAC-Ah blows them away so just go for a resonable cost player for transport duties.
__-- Sorry just re-read your post and saw the Sony DVP s7700 listed, that is not a good player, but is a great transport, so if you did not try that on the DAC or don't own it anymore obviously you might not want to buy one back, but I did!
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