Upgrade Marantz 5004 CDP to what ?

Well I am open to that suggestion if that seems like the overwhelming response. I will say the pre is well thought of and so are the amps. I really do believe based on forums and direct conversations with a guy who has spent years with all the older era exposure systems that the system will respond with better overall system. I really believe the CDP is the weakest part of my current system.

I appreciate all the responses. I am aware of the stereophile review. It is indeed a great CDP. I'm not really trying to tweak my timbre or sound. I just want more detail, more of a layered soundstage and maybe a little smoother sound. The smoother sound is the least important as it's pretty good in this area already.

I Did test the waters on a DAC using the 5004 as a transport. I had a rega dac fed with a cheap blue jeans cable. Problem was it was very little difference in sound presentation. I could not justify the cost of the rega. Also then you have to look at a better transport and a computer and then jitter and it just becomes to cumbersome. That is why I am looking at a stand alone CDP.

I have looked at the jolida player. Some good talk about the it and some bad but interesting.

I am in a hard spot because my speakers and amps are not well known. But replacing the speakers is a non starter. I really think I would have to spend 2000 grand used to really get a nice upgrade.

It's hard to swallow that upgrading a $300 CDP is not the solution when my speakers and amp cost so much more.

I wish I could hear some Acram cdp players I have read very positive things about them in the fourms.

Well I hear you about more money $$$$ not = better sound quality. I have recently heard a very high priced system that really didn't impress me over what I have currently. That being said I did choose my gear based on sound quality as opposed to price.

I started with an older exposure intergrated. Before upgrading to the 17/18 I Listened to NAD,Rouge and Audio research gear an I still choose to go with what I have. My speakers were chosen between the local dealer had and I thought based on Sq and price this was the correct choice.

I have a creek tuner that I bought for 90 bucks on here and it's smoother and provides more depth and layered soundstage then the marantz. I would not say it has more detail though. This experience has made me think a source could change the music's presentation on my system. That is what leads me to believe I should be able to get what I am looking for with a better CDP.

Zd542

Thank you for your thoughts and participation in this thread. Based on your comments the Acram is not right for me. I am still not thinking about a pre right now as I am Convinced based on other Exposure users feedback that these amps respond to any upgrade in the chain. When I do upgrade the pre it will be used tube or a DIY tube pre project.

But I do have a question for you. Since you think a pre is the right route I have to ask why do people spend $$$ on digital sources? What does it bring to the table buying these high priced DAC and CDP players? Do you fall into the camp of all digital sounds the same? I have to think people are getting something for the extra money.

Not being a smart a@@. Really want to know your thought process.

Mesh

I think a used cary CD player because it can play MOFI SACDs. I Have really enjoyed the vinyl MOFI I have great sound and soundstage, a real pleasure to listen to. Plus I can use the Cary as a transport or Dac in the future. And finally all the descriptions and reviews point the Cary having the presentation I want. If I don't like it I will sell it.

Of all the amps I have heard not one has crushed the Exposure. They have been different but not out right better. I like the Rouge audio intergrated and would be happy with it. The Audio Research stuff was nice more detailed but not as fun to listen to IMO. The Mac stuff I heard was very high dollar and some what similar but the exposure out did it slightly in many aspects for much less $$$. None of these amps were so much better to cause me to literally spend a thousand or more dollars on an upgrade that would get me something different but not better. I sure it's out there but I have not heard it yet.