Upgrade Question for CDP

I had considered the Cary CDPs as a one box solution prior to going the seprates route. I'm using an Alesis ML9600 as my transpot (also can be used as a HD player and CDR) with my Audio Mirror DAC (D1 not the new D2). I had both modified by TRL (see my review of the Audio Mirror). The primary reason I went with separates is that I favored the non-os sound that products like Audio Mirror, Audio Sector, Audio Note and 47 Labs offer. The sound is smoother and much more analog like. If you want to read more about this philosophy go to the Audio Note and Shigaraki websites to read the designer white papers.

I think the Cary CDP is a great unit. I have owned several Cary products including a Cary V12i (similar to your Six Packs) and an SLP-98. I used my digital set-up with both these Cary products and the sound was excellent. I tried the Benchmark with the Alesis and Cary set-up and did not like it. One option to consider is to use the Cary as a transport with a non-os DAC and then if you like you can switch back and forth between non-os and upsampling depending on the music. This is an option I seriously considered with a Cary 308T (I wanted tubes as well in the mix at the time). I still may go back to the idea.

Tdacash,

How long has the Cary been buring in. It usually takes a long time. Unless there is a problem there should be a significant difference. There is no need to get a DAC - since the Cary's DAC is very good. Don't panic just let it burn in. the 306/200 is really a very good CD player for the money used.

Rob

Thanks for input Clio09 I will consider getting the d1 modded and try the differences between the two then maybe go from there. Have you heard the D2?

Hi Rob the Cary is well burnt in. I think the issue might be that when I hooked the Panasonic up I was thinking about how bad it would sound and it wasn't as bad as I had thought. I am sure the Dac in Cary is ok I was just wondering if I would get improvement using a different DAC.

Tdacash,

I have not heard the D2 but I ran the updates past TRL and they said to just send them the D1. They did not feel the upgrades added very much value to the sound and that the JFET output might actually be a step backward.

BTW - they said the D1 caps tested very well and they were puzzled why Vlad went with the Auricaps. Overall they were very impressed with the stock D1 which they said was one of the best DACs to come through their shop for mods. Talk to Paul Weitzel and he can advise you more on this, or feel free to email me and perhaps I can help more.