I called to upgrade my #39 and is $1,800 from the factory and $2,300 with a new face plate. A much higher sample rate and more 3-d type sound, better highs and lows. You can read about it on the WEB site. I have been waiting for a local store to get one in and check it out before I upgrade. From what I read it is a major improvement.
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I listened to the 390S in my system Saturday. I thought it sounded significantly better than my 39--more liquid, smoother, less "edgy", more "analog-like". I didn't even need to A/B to appreciate the difference. I have signed up to have my 39 upgraded. The cost is $1500 (not $1800 as someone reported). Another $500 if you want the new faceplate too. One negative--the 390S's digital inputs do *NOT* accept 24/96 signals. Disappointing. Their 360 and 360S DACs can process these higher resolution digital signals, so I'm surprised they didn't incorporate this into the 390S. For those looking for a new CD player (as opposed to 39 owners), I'd strongly advise listening to the Audio Aero Capitole and the Electrocompaniet 24/192 upgraded EMC-1. I thought both these were at least as good sounding as the 390S (although the Levinson has a much nicer user interface and several useful convenience features lacking on the others. Plus the Electro lacks a volume control). But for 39 owners, the upgrade represents a worth-while improvement in sound for the $$. Craig Zastera |
Mick...This comes from a very reliable source ... "While the No390S uses a newer DAC and one that is very good, remember that implementation is still just about everything and the No360S still outperforms the No390S by a significant margin." I am also in the same position, I think I will get a 36/360 and upgrade it to a 360S. Matt |
I a/b the 39 and 390 at a local store. the 390 is more liquid and more 3d sounding it has more space and air the soundstage just seemed to be wider and deeper. I was considering buying the demo and upgrading it. If I already owned a 39 I would be standing in line to get it upgraded. The difference was similar to what happens when you couple it to a dcs upsampler. |
To [email protected]. I have a ML 36 that I had upgraded twice. The first was to the 36S. The = second to the 360S. The way to go in my opinion is to upgrade to the 36S = and call it a day. You really don't get much if anything at all in the = 360 sonically. You're just able to down load future formats because of = more computing power capability. SO WHAT! By the time the industry = settles on something that Madrigal feels it can jump on we'll probably = all have heads jerked in another direction. The 36S upgrade is = definitely the way to go. Getting a 390 from where your at will be a = very disappointing down grade. The upgrade is $2500.00. |