@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. |
Hi Soix,
unfortunately they don’t (Hmdt) allow returns their site is clear regarding DACs, all sales are final. Have you heard the Primaluna TUBE DAC? |
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. |
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 |
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
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I’d point you toward NOS R2R DACs really there are several Chinese DACs that I would not say are good sounding? you cannot just make a comment like that without a reference.
If I were in your shoes I would get an Electocompaniet one up CDP and be done with this.
Happy Listening. |
donpepe
Being in SC, you are between Atlanta and Charlotte/Raleigh NC.
In Atlanta check out HiFi Buys. In NC check out Audio Advice.
Keep us posted on players considered for purchase.
Happy Listening! |
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
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I have the Bryston and a previous generation Luxman ("u"). Both are very good--the Bryston is absolutely neutral, the Luxman a tad (just a tad) warmer. I'd recommend that new Luxman or the Marantz Ruby. The Mohican is based on an much older Consonance design (search the threads for discussion). |
Based on my use of an Ayre C-5xeMP, I would highly recommend an Ayre C-7xeMP. I also know of a used Cary 303/200 in SC. It has AES, coax & toslink outputs for use as a transport, but it has an excellent DAC and audio section.
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Pre-owned REGA ISIS Cdp.
if possible, stretch it to the REGA ISIS VALVE cdp
Google the reviews .... |
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. |
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the Marantz Ruby is quite good, the Hegel Mohican is maybe better, and both used are well under your price, with the Marantz usually available used... |
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. |
