I am in total agreement with Jeffga and Dtc. Based on many comments in the past that a new unit will blow away an old unit , I have tried several new units in the past two years and such is not the case. I think the power supply is a key element to the sound quality and newer chips are more detailed and less musical. I recently ordered the Sony xa5400 which is rated A+ in stereophile. My Anthem CD changer is getting old in the tooth and I use it as a transport to a modified Lite Dac60. The Anthem/Lite combo is more musical, more fleshed out and more dynamic. Even using the Sony as a transport, I still prefer the sound of the Anthem as a transport. Hard to believe but true. I am very dissapointed with the outcome as I like the smooth silent operation of the Sony + the 5 year warranty versus the clunky audible operation of the Anthem. PS, for the Sony lovers I have over 400 hours on it and the clouds have not parted yet. Maybe the latest batch is missing the magic?
5+ years old $5k player vs. current $2k player
Hi,
Been thinking the above question: which one would be a better choice?
Price for these older players (e.g. Esoteric, Wadia, etc.) ends up being in similar price than recent vintages like Ayon, PS Audio, etc. And perhaps even the Oppo as a transport?
Did CD technology really improve significantly in the last few years such that these "cheaper" but newer players will out perform the older but top-line players?
Especially player like the PS Audio PWT, the concept is certainly new (for CD transport) & the theory does make sense...
Been thinking the above question: which one would be a better choice?
Price for these older players (e.g. Esoteric, Wadia, etc.) ends up being in similar price than recent vintages like Ayon, PS Audio, etc. And perhaps even the Oppo as a transport?
Did CD technology really improve significantly in the last few years such that these "cheaper" but newer players will out perform the older but top-line players?
Especially player like the PS Audio PWT, the concept is certainly new (for CD transport) & the theory does make sense...