Hmmm...must disagree. Whereas my experience with the 'Canto
and a DVD was VERY disappointing, I can't say using the Rotel as a transport was much better than the Rotel alone.
The'Canto does remove some of the grain from the Rotel, but superimposes a white, smeary-hot treble fog instead. Sort of like hot steam instead of twinkly, gritty "stars" if you will. A Neuance iso shelf helped the Rotel immensely.
My experience with the ARCAM is that it was FAR less rhythmic than the Rotel. What a shock! Nice full midrange, and therefore not as "dry" as the Rotel, but it couldn't keep time for beans, whereas the Rotel has good PRAT.
Upgrade?
I finally found a winner in an Electrocompaniet EMC-1 MkII.
GREAT PRAT, bass extension and punch, an ultra-natural midrange, and detailed yet ultra-smooth treble. Quite remarkable.
Try a Neuance (or maybe rollerblocks? inner tube too muddy...) under your 971 before you dump it. I'd try the EVS
as an option, but not the 'Canto or PT.
A used EMC-1 MKI is on A'gon auction now for around $2200.
I can get you the MkII DAC 24/192 kit for $600. You can sell your 971 for probably $400, so for under $2500 you'd have a wonderful 44 lb CDP. Hmm....
But do try the Neuance...amazing how the improvement in coherence and tightening of the presentation erased digital fatigue. Still a bit edgy, but what an improvement for $125!
Good luck. Ern
and a DVD was VERY disappointing, I can't say using the Rotel as a transport was much better than the Rotel alone.
The'Canto does remove some of the grain from the Rotel, but superimposes a white, smeary-hot treble fog instead. Sort of like hot steam instead of twinkly, gritty "stars" if you will. A Neuance iso shelf helped the Rotel immensely.
My experience with the ARCAM is that it was FAR less rhythmic than the Rotel. What a shock! Nice full midrange, and therefore not as "dry" as the Rotel, but it couldn't keep time for beans, whereas the Rotel has good PRAT.
Upgrade?
I finally found a winner in an Electrocompaniet EMC-1 MkII.
GREAT PRAT, bass extension and punch, an ultra-natural midrange, and detailed yet ultra-smooth treble. Quite remarkable.
Try a Neuance (or maybe rollerblocks? inner tube too muddy...) under your 971 before you dump it. I'd try the EVS
as an option, but not the 'Canto or PT.
A used EMC-1 MKI is on A'gon auction now for around $2200.
I can get you the MkII DAC 24/192 kit for $600. You can sell your 971 for probably $400, so for under $2500 you'd have a wonderful 44 lb CDP. Hmm....
But do try the Neuance...amazing how the improvement in coherence and tightening of the presentation erased digital fatigue. Still a bit edgy, but what an improvement for $125!
Good luck. Ern