Replace Cambridge Audio D500 or add DAC?

Hey Cuz, the post was directed to one of the other posters who advised against getting any Sony modded or not. I too questioned this advice as I am sure that the poster had not heard a modded Sony given his geographical location and the lack of Canadian members who have sacd players much less those who own a modded version. To my knowledge there are none, modded units that is, here in Canada, mine (333ES)will be the first and Lorne Cherry's the second (XA777ES), neither of which has been touched by Richard Kern as of yet(awaiting parts from the UK).

So Cuz, Chellingsworth was not taking issue with your particular post about the Theta and I have no opinion on the "caps" issue.

"I would hope that before someone would voice such strong opinions and abuse the caps lock key that a brief education or listen would be in order"

My post was indeed posted prior to the post concerning the Theta gear came out, I have not heard the Theta and wouldn't be able to comment on it. I have decided to start proofreading. The above is a correction of the confusing sentance referenced on an above post.

The point that I was trying to get across is that the modded Sony's share very little with their stock companions. I definately do not care for the stock 333es and bought for sacd only and to use as a transport for my Bel Canto 1.1. When it returned from Dan Wright the transformation was stunning and far beyond what I had thought was possible. I is therefor easy to believe as Natalie did that it would still be substandard on Redbook and did so in a way (CAPITOLS ET ALL) that made it sound like someone would be crazy to go this route. I found it to be extremely cost efeective and of such high performance that I sold my 1.1. Thus started my rant on such heated critisism of my very reasonable suggestion. I apologise if the mistiming of the posting made it seem like it was directed at the Theta post which O feel was well written and backed by experience.
Cheers !

Cool. Sounds good. I have to admit I read it several times and was never positive whether it was partially directed at me.

I have no doubt that those mods would make a real big improvement. I have a Cary Audio cd player that is nothing but a Rotel 955 with a totally replaced analog section. Come to think of it, I need to sell that thing. Anyway, the replacement tube output section was quite impressive. It's also good to know that others are aware that the analog section can make a huge difference in the sound of the front end. On one hand this last statement might sound ridiculously apparent. However, how often do you see a manufacturer advertising anything other than what type of processing some of the chips do? Almost never. Happy listening.

I had the Levinson 31.5 so I speak from experience, I also own the Cambridge D500SE. I don't care if this is AudioPhile Anethema, the Cambridge is a far better transport. It beat the big Levinson up so badly, I called the factory because I thought the unit must be defective. Well it wasn't and I no longer have the 31.5. I got rid of the Levinson and have a CEC TL0 on order, but I am not parting with my Cambridge. People see a price point and just assume the more expesive stuff is better. It all warrants listening. As for the first post, if it is not of Audiophile quality then the Levinson must be what? complete CACA?

Regards,

Mike

The EVS Millennium DAC II may also be a good choice(read reviews on audioreview.com and a review of the previous DAC 1 on stereotimes.com as well as past posts on Audiogon). It's $1050 from www.tweakaudio.com and you can return it in 30 days if you don't absolutely love what it does for your system. My understanding is that the Cambridge will actually make a decent transport, so I'd go the DAC route and wait till the current format wars work themselves out, and you still may want to use this combo for redbook CDs. I've got an EVS DAC 1 and it's like the Roto Rooter man came in and did a number on my system--and the DAC II is supposed to be "way better," according to Ric at EVS. Tons of detail, huge soundstage with palpable space and air around and between performers, dead silent backdrop, and dynamics that will floor you. Brings every performance to life. Best audio purchase I've made. Best of luck.

Tim