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To upgrade cd player?? The slippery slope?

Hi, I got sucked in to this audio game quite by mistake while looking through the public library for info on setting up a car stereo. Sidetracked by "Good Sound" by Dearborn?.
Bought some components over E-bay, and had a pre-amp given to me, and my music listening is changed dramatically. I think the real culpret is the Magnum-dynalab ft-11 tuner. Whereas I used to listen mostly to tapes and a few cd's, now its all about the radio. My limited taste in music has been stretched. I'm listening to a jazz, blues, classical, rock-- virtually anything played on the 3 good non-comercial stations in my area. Even the musical interludes on "All Things Considered" on NPR is fun for the ears, wheras it used to just make me mad and impatient. I've had the system about a year, and I've started to collect a few more cds.

But to get to the point.

This is a budjet system to be sure, and some will want me to upgrade in more directions, but I'd like my cd's to sound at least as good as the radio, and that is not the case. At least, not as engaging and fun. To spend $800 on a Jolida jd100 (for instance) would be more than twice what I have invested in my costliest component.

So here is the list:

pre= dyna pas 3
amp= carver tfm-6cb (65w@8ohms, 100w@4ohms)
speakers= spica tc-50
tuner= magnum-dynalab ft-11
**cdp= onkyo integra dx-7500 (1989, 18-bit, 8xsample)
**tape= nakamichi cr2a
interconnects= kimber pbj w/radio-shack gold plate term.
sp cables= kimber 4tcx5'

** components left over from previous system

So ??? buy the Jolida? Or a used dac? Or live with what I have? Or other sugestions?

Thanks, Aloha

Miser lee
windsup03a8
jbatlanta
97 posts
 
Don't neglect those interconnects.

Try looking for some TMC white labels on Audiogon for CD player to PreAmplifier. It will make all the difference in the world. And some yellow lables for PreAmp to Amplifier.

They're excellent cables, and go for great prices.
davidz
44 posts
 
You can't go wrong with a Rotel -- I just checked their site & they have a couple of models at $499. I've had a used Rotel for 5 years -- dependable & great sounding. If you want to spend a little more ($599) check out upscaledaudio.com for the Ah Tjoeb CD player. Good luck.
buxter66's avatar
buxter66
103 posts
 
Jolida!!!!!! Your listening pleasure quotient will go thru the roof.
steuspeed's avatar
steuspeed
501 posts
 
The Onkyo and the Carver are probably your weak links. Jolida or an outboard tube dac are both good ideas. The dac requires another cable, shelf space and power outlet. A nice one could be had for similar dollars to the Jolida. You could upgrade to a better transport/player later or one with 96/24, DVD-A or SACD capability and a digital out for your DAC. As the format wars continue, a nice 44/16 dac will always play the CD's you own.

Front end changes are valuble, but the gap between mid-fi and high-end stuff continues to narrow. Don't get me wrong, there is definitely improvement to be had over the Onkyo. Expect refinement, not miracles. You might find more performance/dollar with a different amp.

A few solid state choices currently on Audiogon.

Forte 4A $575 Mint
McCormack DNA.5 $750 Nice
Pass Aleph 30 $1250 Mint

These pieces can all be bought, played with and sold for little or no financial loss.

Good Luck,

Stewart
windsup03a8 OP
2 posts
 
Thanks everyone for your comments. Steuspeed, your remarks sound like sober caution.

Besides, when I started to say I might upgrade, Dyna said, "no way, not until you give me some attention and affection." New tubes, new sound, then more trouble. But when I get that worked out, and experiment with different tubes, I'll have to reassess the sound anyway.

Aloha,
Miser lee
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