ML 390s vs. ML39

Mine is in for repair, and I'm weighing whether to do the upgrade. Sounds like it will be worth it. I have been using the 39's preamp direct into 334, with astounding results (B&W 804's). Now I am thinking of adding a pre-amp, and wonder if the upgrade should be done on the 39 if I add a 380s. Also considering a tube preamp, possibly the new Mac C2200, as it has a phono stage. I'm not sure if I would run the 39 or 390 direct to 334, or use it through a tubed pre. Any ideas? Probably a 380s with a good tube phono stage might be the way to go for the table. Or would there be a smooth way (short of disconnecting/reconnecting) to use the 390 direct with the balanced output, and rca from tube preamp to the 334?

The 390S upgrade gave us more. The word is more. The transparency is more. Drums are more hollow. Instruments are more real and natural. Voices are more real and life-like. I bought the 39 without audition. I upgraded without audition.

Use the balanced output direct to amplifiers and you will experience more. I'm pushing Thiel 3.6's with Levinson ML-2 monoblocks. I'm carefully switching cables between phono and cd. This is not a matter of if you should, but when you will. Do it!

if you currently own a 39, upgrade it without any hesitancy
if you are planning to buy a new cd player, go to the dealer have a audition and bring it home.In my opinion, 390s even beats the combo of 37 and 360s, however it is just my experience, your result may vary due to enviroment and gears matching. I won't spend 8 thousands bucks to buy an ugly gear even someone states that its sound is no:1 in the world. will you marry a witch just because her voice is fabulous. I doubt it.Some euro gears' price are rediculous in usa

Sylinnian,

strange philosophy about audio you have there m8. But to each is own, my priority is sonics, and as far as that goes, the AA Capitole (which i think is the player you are referring to when reading between the lines) is top class. I really don't see 'looks' as having a place in high end audio, and definitely not a criteria for choosing a >5K CD player. IMHO

Cheers

As far as the ML390s goes I just received mine and it sounds great straight out of the box. I am using all ML equipment. This player will remain in my system for a long long time with no regrets and the service department is great.