Upgrade Path: CDP or Preamp

My feelings are the PREAMP as THE most important component in a system. It will imprint its "signature" on all components and more importantly, if it is an upgrade, afford you the better opportunity to evaluate the shortcomings of your source material. Decide what type of features and sound you are shooting for (tube vs. ss) in your price range, since for 1000, its not the ultimate in neutrality and then consider used vs. new...

Used suggestions: CJ, Audible Illusions, Quicksilver... (yes a bias towards tubes, pun semi-intended)

New? Start looking.........

Sorry to be persistent, but I went through your same scenario years ago...and tried players (after turntables from the decade prior) and preamps in my system.... you may be very suprised what you find....

A good preamp will create a soundstage, enhance harmonic texture, present more detail (hopefully in a musical and seductive way) and on and on to make your system more enjoyable. I agree with one poster's comment, your CDP is adequate. The truth is you could pick up a used CJpv12 of Audible Illusions 3 line stage for 850 and decent used player for 400 (choices abound) to make a grand total of 1250 for INCREDIBLE improvement.

The speakers also are significant. I became a MAJOR tinkerer after I got the preamp and realized the stuff I was missing, immediately upgrading my other items in my then budget speakers...with a little help from Madisound, etc...

Finally, as for the direct cd to amp idea...I did that as well with a Sony ES player...forget it...the volume is in the digital domain and this comes with caveats, specifically the truncating of bits at lower volumes......until full gain and bits are realized...

Also, careful amp and CDP matching are required for this idea...your amps are your strong point, your preamp and CDP are fine, but not nearly in the same league....

Borrow a used tube preamp from a friend, etc...(not vintage unit, but a modern one) and see what you think. Do the same for the CD player. I did, and that's how I came to my conclusions...incidentally, since beginning this process I have upgraded everything till about a year+ ago and have changed NOTHING. The preamp, is still the same.

Sorry to be too opionated.

I am not sure I understand. The jolida will not put your mmf7/goldring to shame, (in fact, it may not match it) therfore if you purchase a cd player would you have really upgraded if you already own a source which would basically shame most CD players?

In general, the same dollars spent to upgrade an analog rig yields more bang for buck than digital. If you aren't happy with the mmf AND cdp, then truly, you have to ask yourself what about your system is it that you are unsatisfied with and go from there......

I thinks you are unsatisified with your system regardless of your source...and that's why you have the bug.....

Maybe a DIY pre-amp tube kit on the cheap or perhaps EVS attenuators on the back of the amp as a passive setup (rick shultz of EVS would even impedance match the devices as best he could for you)

If you were local I'd lend you a DPA Bigger Bit dac I have for sale and let you hook it up to your CDP just for kicks to see if this approach is worth your while....

Hey, another thing, your preamp is still a tuner, even with a preamp upgrade......

BORROW or Purchase a used unit always in demand and it will cost you little to experiment. Unless your married, then it could cost you big time.