I must admit that I also had one(and only one) experience with the Art DIO, and came away less than impressed. Public Enemy's "Don't Believe The Hype" would have been appropriate source material.
Like I said, my experience was a single event. So, factor that into the equation. But, combining what both Albert and Sean have put forth, I am beginning to feel more comfortable in my initial analysis.
My object was to try to see if I could pair the Art with my Music Hall MMF25, building the sleeper digital combo for under $1K. No, it did not provide that. In fact, the MMF25 is running on its own now. Why? Because it just sounded better that way to me at the time. I didn't feel the investment, albeit small, was warranted.
In the end, I purchased a Sony SCD-C333ES player, and am more than happy with it. I give that machine my recommendation. I feel happier with my purchase of this player than I believe I would be now had I went with the Art. No, it isn't the finest at detail, speed, or resolution. But, I prefer it to most under $750 players, which definitely drive me away with thin, antiseptic, lightweight sound. And, despite the barren desert of software, I find SACD to be to my liking, even if I do feel vinyl is still the superior sonic format.
I am still holding out on judgement of the Art amplifier. But, I have to say that the component will need to be looked at with an even hand.
Let's not build another audiophile bubble.
Like I said, my experience was a single event. So, factor that into the equation. But, combining what both Albert and Sean have put forth, I am beginning to feel more comfortable in my initial analysis.
My object was to try to see if I could pair the Art with my Music Hall MMF25, building the sleeper digital combo for under $1K. No, it did not provide that. In fact, the MMF25 is running on its own now. Why? Because it just sounded better that way to me at the time. I didn't feel the investment, albeit small, was warranted.
In the end, I purchased a Sony SCD-C333ES player, and am more than happy with it. I give that machine my recommendation. I feel happier with my purchase of this player than I believe I would be now had I went with the Art. No, it isn't the finest at detail, speed, or resolution. But, I prefer it to most under $750 players, which definitely drive me away with thin, antiseptic, lightweight sound. And, despite the barren desert of software, I find SACD to be to my liking, even if I do feel vinyl is still the superior sonic format.
I am still holding out on judgement of the Art amplifier. But, I have to say that the component will need to be looked at with an even hand.
Let's not build another audiophile bubble.