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Transport and DAC or Upgrade CDP?

I'll admit to being a total newbie when it comes to anything more advanced than comparing standalone CDPs in my system. I'm currently using a Music Hall CD25.2 and also have a Cambridge 540D (v1) sitting idle.

Comparing the two in my system leaves me with these impressions: CD25.2 is more open, detailed and gives a wider sense of space, but is a bit cold and lacks analog warmth. 540D is warm, but it's not even close to the same level of performance as CD25.2.

In order to get to a better performance level I'm considering either selling both and moving to a better CDP (Jolida 100a maybe?), or using the 540D as a transport with a tube DAC. I'm looking at the TAD TACs most closely (TADAC and TDAC), but open to other suggestions as I know very little about them.

So...my question is...what's the consensus as to the better approach? Adding digital music is a consideration for down the road, but not top priority now. I really have no idea how to evaluate transports, and buying a whole bunch of gear for trial is out of the question.
meskandar

Showing 2 responses by blindjim

blindjim
3,092 posts
 

Well now you’ve gone and done it!

Single or multi box solution.

As I saw recently posted here on another thread as an answer… Yes.

Multi box = multi stuff. Basically more wires and shelf spaces are needed.

Single box? Well you have just opened the door a crack now, as you already have two of those.

I’d say DAC as well, despite the addition of more wires and space usage.

If so then, one with great jitter elimination and several common interfaces. And I’d use it with my most revelatory CDP on hand.

A tube DAC might not be necessary too to gain you that fluffier presentation. Deleting a load of jitter will aid you towards that promise.

I’d address warming or filtering things downstream… and NOT with the source. Ever.

Lavry DA10 was a very musical DAC and not too too expensive as DACs go. I’m sure if you check out the archived threads here on such a subject you’ll gain more choices.
blindjim
3,092 posts
 


Usually the better sounding CDP is the better transport.

Another digital cable recommend for not a lot could be something from Chris Somavigo – Stereovox xv2, or his latest Black Cat 1.25M @ $125. the XV used should come in under that amount or right at it. I own the XV2 but haven’t heard the Black Cat.

I’ve also used reputedly 75 ohm cables from places like Blue Jeans and Canare among others and you really do get what you pay for here in the majority of cases.

I have a 2M no name RCA digi cable I’ll send you for $35 incl’d shipping if you want a smooth warmish sounding presentation. I seldom use it and it resides in my BR system.

A good jitter control DAC is the Bel Canto DAC 3. it’s jitter control is great using SPDIF; BNC; or AES, TOS & USB are very good. Two sets of outputs RCA & XLR, and it can be used as a preamp for all of it’s digi inputs.

You can also upgrade it to get off the grid for $600. Or you can get one of the newer itterations in the ‘.5’ series that possess varying levels of interfaces and flexibility…. But preowned the BC DAC III is a superlative value… and is quite ready for the notion of PC music down the road.

The DAC III has a neutral voice and outstanding bass and remote control.

For your above noted sonic preffs though, I’d think the Lavry folks would possibly be a better fit and cost you less money. I posted a review here on both of these dacs and one other some time back which may help if you care to look it over.

Good luck
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