Cary 303-100 versus a modded 333ES


I've posted this over at the Hi-Rez forum @AA to garnish their opinions but the crowd here (IMHO) tends to be less concerned with accuracy at all costs and more concerned with the musicallity of digital playback so here goes in short form...

I have 2 options in front of me:

#1 - Have my 333ES modded which will retain sacd (and apparently better it) and reportedly improve redbook "substantially" so I can flog the ART DI/IO dac I run with it. Tend to find 5 redbook cds I want for every 1 sacd even though there are more sacd discs in the works. Multi-channel is no concern. Net cost around $550

#2 - Flog the ART and the 333ES (both at a big loss) and get a demo Cary 303-100 (reported to be very musical). Net cost (with fingers crossed) should come in around $1000 (top of my budget)

I am flying blind here as I have no idea how a modded 333ES will sound without having it done and I can't audition the Cary prior to purchase.

Current system is 333ES/ART > Rogue 66 > Bryston 4B-ST > Maggie 1.5 so its not the most resolving gear out there.

All comments/recommendations greatly appreciated.
rgd

Showing 2 responses by rgd

The ART offers better resolution and more air around the instruments. Increased clarity without getting in your face. It'll be up for sale as I have decided to let my budget rule and mod the 333ES.
Abe - While I have never heard the 303-100 or 200 for that matter (and I'm thankfull I never have - can't miss what you haven't experienced...) the Cary may very well be a more musical player even my my simple system. But since SONY decided to blow the 333ES players out the door the used value of mine dropped into the basement and the net cost of getting the Cary well exceeded my upper budget limit at about $1150. Its hell living on a budget - remember that the Canadian dollar is in the toilet - $1US = $1.65 Canadian so the $1150 US translates into $1900 Canadian!!!