I picked up an absolutely perfect Sonic Frontiers SFT-1 (Stereophile A if that matters to you) used on audiogon for $850. I also have a North Star Model 192 (24/192) with 1 Toslink, 2 RCA, 1 balanced and 1 CAT 5 inputs. I live in Canada, but the product will be availabe in the U.S. soon, or you can check out the North Star home page. The list price is 1200 Euro for an absolutely incredible DAC (you won't find a used unit as this is a new release). I honestly believe I've got the best or close to it for a very reasonable price. But then again, so does everyone else who has posted. The difference being that I'm right and everyone else is wrong!:-)
What cd player or cd transport/dac is next for me?
I have a ML 335, ML 380S, Dunlavy SCIV's, Harmonic Tech Magic Ones biwired and Stealth Gold interconnects currently with Sony SCD-1. I had a Resolution Audio CD55 for about a year. I found that the redbook play of the Sony and CD55 were comparable with different strengths, but similar enough that I characterize them as of the same class/level.
I wish to make a significant shift in cd play. First, is it necessary in your opinion to go to the top of the heap to get dramatic improvements? Is used equipment available in your opinion that will yield those results at used prices?
I have heard the ML 39, EMC-1 ML 30.5 & 31.6 in similar systems to mine. Are the new generation of mid-level cd units dramatically improved over the prior generation? (Ml 39/ML 39S, EMC-1 upgrade)
I look forward to useful ideas for improvement. All other thoughts I suspect will be appreciated also!
Bill E.
I wish to make a significant shift in cd play. First, is it necessary in your opinion to go to the top of the heap to get dramatic improvements? Is used equipment available in your opinion that will yield those results at used prices?
I have heard the ML 39, EMC-1 ML 30.5 & 31.6 in similar systems to mine. Are the new generation of mid-level cd units dramatically improved over the prior generation? (Ml 39/ML 39S, EMC-1 upgrade)
I look forward to useful ideas for improvement. All other thoughts I suspect will be appreciated also!
Bill E.