Outboard Processor Question?


I am looking at possibly adding an outboard processor such as the Cal Audio Gamma or Sigma to my Sony CDP-C701ES changer. The sony has an optical cable connection only for outboard. My questions are is this changer worth the cost of an outboard processor such as these and would I notice a substantial change with either of these processors mentioned. I like the changer for the 5 disk capability and the Cal Audio's would fit perfectly in the limited space I have. Thanks for any input.

Brian
bmccormick
Tunes,
What type of cones are you using and what about a bright star audio Isorock Platform. Would an rca connection be better than a toslink? Thanks for the help guys. Much appreciated.
I am using a Sony ES changer with an Audio Alchemy DDE 3.0 and Sonic Frontiers Line 1 with superb results. Don't buy in to the hype surrounding high priced transports. You are much better off to spend the money elsewhere.
Brian
I am using DH cones, Don,t know about the isorock but have tried some diy (bubble wrap and board) with minimal but positive results. When I tried the toslink directly to my old dac(adcom 600) I was not impressed. When I added the jitterbug, Wow. The jitterbug added detail and clarity, the soundstage really opened up. I do think that the rca cable is much better regardless of the jitterbug. My current dac does not support toslink so my view is limited. I do think that being able to convert from to toslink to rca is a big advantage. You can play with digital cables to find the synergy. Hope this helps
I have tried a number of different transports and dacs and currently run two systems with digital separates.
Firstly, I have found that a jitter reduction device such as the Audio Alchemy DTI Pro will improve the sound of most transports. I also disagree with the comment above about transports not making much of a difference in sound quality.
For a toslink cable, I would recommend the Monster Lightspeed 100. Some say the 2 meter sounds better than the 1 meter, but I have not tried that. I have tried the Lightspeed 200 and the lower priced 100 is better.
For dacs, I would avoid the Cal Gamma. I have read a lot of good things about the Sigma and have just bought one, but have not received it. Dacs to consider if you want something small would be the Bel Canto or Micromega (Duo BS or Microdac). Micromega's can be bought used fairly cheap.
I have not tried a Sony ES changer as a transport, but I know of one high end dealer that used to recommend them for customers buying high priced dacs that insisted on a changer as a transport. I use a Stan Warren modified Aiwa changer as a transport and it is a good transport, but not as good as a Parasound single play belt drive transport that I also use. If I had not stumbled across the Aiwa, I would have gotten a Sony ES to try.
I have not tried a lot of changers.
Thanks for the info guys. I think I will probably go with the Sigma and the Manarchy or an Audio Alchemy. I will post the results.