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Proac+Cary and Accuphase or Esoteric CD

I intend to buy Cary 211AE Power amp with Cary SLP-05 Pre (second hand).
I already have Proac Response 2.5 loudspeakers.
What would you think of a digital front end to use with this system? Accuphase DP-500 or Esoteric X-03SE.
Since the accuphase is a "WARM" sounding cd player would it be too much of a good thing since this system is already on a warm side.
In addition what cables should have a high synergy with the above system.
Thanks in advance for any help.
oferk

Showing 2 responses by amfibius

amfibius
282 posts
 
Oferk, I have the SLP-05 and CAD-211. In my previous system I ran these with the ProAc D38. I can tell you right now that this is a beautiful combination and is sure to make you very happy.

I am using a Cary CD-306 SACD player, which IMO is a very good match in this system. I have heard Accuphase - while this is very good, I do not think its particular combination of qualities would suit your system very well. The SLP-05 and CAD-211AE are already midrange heavy, and the Accuphase would give you too much midrange warmth. Even with the Cary I had to spend a lot of time rolling tubes to get the sound I wanted.

Of the two CDP's you have nominated, I would probably lean towards the Esoteric. But really you should consider the Cary - it is very good!
amfibius
282 posts
 
Oferk you are quite right, the major downside of the original Cary CD-306 was the transport. Mine had two annoyances - it would intermittently eat a disc - I had to fish the disc out with some bent wire. The other problem is that the tray sometimes got stuck and failed to eject. The first problem is no longer an issue, but the transport still occasionally fails to eject.

With my previous ProAc D38 system I was using Osborn speaker cable (Australia only). I sold the ProAc because my current speaker is even better :)
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