Since you’ve got the Synchro Mesh I’d go DAC all the way, and as you love analog sound I’d point you toward NOS R2R DACs that tend to have a very natural and analog-like sound. I also think a tubed DAC may play well to your tastes, and DACs from MHDT and Audio Mirror among others get consistently good user feedback here and would come in well within your budget. I believe they offer trial periods as well, which is huge IMO. Best of luck in your search.
want a CD player upgrade
Hi,I am currently using my Cambridge audio 851C with new SR blue fuses and a Synchro Mesh reclocker as a transport and using the DAC in my McIntosh C2600 preamp. I would like to upgrade. In the past I've had a Sim audio player in a different system, which I liked, in the last 2 years I've tried PS audio transport and DAC and another highly reviewed DAC both sounded a bit different but not better, meaning just a different digital sounding unit. I now live in South Carolina so I know of no place to listen to players. I think I would prefer a single piece player rather than a separate transport and DAC but i'm flexible on that preference. I've read nice reviews on the New Bryston player, as well as the Marantz Ruby, CEC also seems well regarded. I love the sound of analog but have too many CD's to give up on that part of my habit. Have you heard any of the above players? If not what would you recommend ? I would like not to spend more that 4K but I will admit (sadly) I've gone over budget a few times in my life.Thanks
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Luxman's D-03X is brand new and within your budget. - Colin disclaimer: I'm a Luxman dealer https://gestalt.audio |
Just purchased an Ayon CD-10 11 and placed it into my system last night. It has tube rectification and tube output. One box unit with some features not usually found. Sounds good right out of the box but letting it run continuously. Negotiated it at $4500 shipped. Pretty sure I’ll be pleased. You can PM me if you want. Serious listening will happen tomorrow night. I’m mainly vinyl and tubes. North of Atlanta. Spent forever shopping used Esoteric, EMM and a few others. Never had any Ayon equipment but this thing is heavy, built. |
Thanks for the education. I'm now added MHDT, Luxman, and Audio Mirrors Tubador 3SE to my list. However, I think (hope) I don't pull the trigger unless the dealer has a return policy because I'd hate to buy a piece that doesn't easily best what I already own. Reviews don't have sound although I've generally trusted them. In the recent past I've had to return a well reviewed Benchmark DAC and a PS Audio transport and DAC. The Benchmark didn't sound good with the Class D amps I was using then and the PS audio was not fully functioning on arrival. It's tough these days with the loss of local brick and mortar stores.Thanks again,Joe |
Hi gang,Your advice is much appreciated, The more I research the more confusing things get, at this point my budget of $2.5K appears to have gone bye bye.@soix I have become interested in the R2R DACs, primarily the Denafrips Terminator and the Audio Mirror Tubador 3SE. Alvin the Denafrips distributor is very responsive but I remain concerned that they are in Singapore and have a no return policy. Audio Mirror may be out of business I have emailed them at least twice without a response. Since they are here in the states I was a lot more interested in buying from them. But sad to say they are unresponsive to customer requests on how to purchase their products. Have any of you heard either of these two DACs? Any info on what happened to Audio Mirror? @akg_ca The ISIS unit on audiogon is $6K used, that's a touch more than I was thinking of spending, never heard it either.@gestalt The website makes no mention of Luxman or prices, additionally haven't heard a LUXMAN unit in over 30 years.I agree that I probably need to work on my room a bit more and am working with Jim Smith on doing just that. As Always I appreciate your courtesy and consideration as well as the advice offered.Joe |
Hi @donpepe I'm not quite sure what you mean but feel free to give me a call (phone number in my profile picture, or on my website) if you're interested in the Luxman. The D-03X's MSRP is $3295 and I'm happy to send you one to audition. Cheers, Colin |
Ugh. Sorry to hear about AM lack of responsiveness. I’ve not heard about them going out of business, but regardless that’s not good business practice (have you checked your spam mail as sometimes responses from manufacturers go there?). I’d encourage you to look into the MHDT Orchid (or Pagoda if you can run balanced), which is well reviewed and happily owned by many here. They should be more responsive, and I know they offer a 30-day trial period. |
@donpepe I too have a Cambridge 851C with SR Black and still feel for the money it’s a fine player, but that being said I just picked up an RME ADI-2 fs DAC and it’s hands down better, and not just a different sound. Bought new for $1099 with a 30 day return but I’m keeping it. Right out of the box it bettered the 851C. Some say this DAC is a little bright or cold but I don’t get that at all and just guessing their system or room is the culprit. I found it compared to the 851C more open, much cleaner on the top and the bottom edge more extended.The RME definitely doesn’t soften or roll off the top but many CD’s that I could play through I can now. I’m listening through full CD’s again either spinning or streaming and not bouncing all over the place. Point is it’s an outstanding piece and it’s priced silly low for what it does and Made in Germany. Purchased mine from BH Photo and had in a few days. Running coax and balanced out and didn’t even bothered with the stock power cord. I’d keep your 851C and use as a transport. The clocks in the RME are probably equal to your Synchro Mesh so that might not make any difference. If you like it... look at all the money you might save. |