2. amps-preamps
  3. 1055047178

source disappointment

I have built a system that I would guess is fairly revealing(in my limited experience), and have begun experimentation with the CD Source.

Signal Cable Analog 2
Cary SLP 88 pre
Zcable Live V3
Cary 2A3 se monoblocks
Elco Sti-2b Silver Bi-wire (used as single for soliloquys)
Soliloquy 2A3 monitors

Sennheiser HD590

I recently purchased a used Audio Note CD 2 to replace the use of my Panasonic XP50 DVD/DVD-A, player which I assumed was not much of a source, though it does have a remastering upsample feature.

In several extended listening sessions using various albums I have been unable to detect any sonic improvement offered by the Audio Note which I purchased because of their reputation for analog sound. I actually A/B'd a getz/gilberto cd I had two copies of, syncing both players up and using my Headphones, and I believe I prefered the Panasonic. During intermmitent audience applause on the disc, the Panasonic rendered a warmer and much wider soundstage.

Is this crazy?
wheeler

Showing 1 response by ehart

ehart
215 posts
 
Hi Wheeler,

I am certainly of the "trust your ears" persuasion.

I would be curious to hear your experience with other "reference" CDs. The Getz/Gilberto was one of my 3 reference CDs until recently, you know the ones you take with you to listen to gear.

I did a signficant amp upgrade a while back, and while other CDs sounded noticeably better, this one did not. Then a few months ago, I auditioned speakers better than I've auditioned before, in the over $5000 range. While other recordings (Such as Alison Kraus' Forget About It) showed distinct differences between the speakers, the Getz/Gilberto did not.

So I've concluded that as great as the music is, this is no longer a good reference CD for me in terms of recording quality.

- Eric
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