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CD - upgrade, replace used, buy new?

After years of non-listening, I have upgraded my system and need to take the last step. System now consists of CJ MV-60 amp, McCormack TLC and Superfon/Stan Warren modified SP-100 (buffered line stage), Shearwaters, and old Pioneer PD-93 Elite CD player. This player was their top of line machine -- $2000, dual power supplies, dual Burr Brown PCM-63 DACs. I have listened to some of the new Rotels, Creek, Sonys, Rega Planet 2000. I must admit I am at a loss. The Pioneer side by side with a Sony DVP NS300 is a hard call. The Sony appears more forward and open on top (or is it brighter) but has no warmth, bass or depth compared to the Pioneer. The Pioneer is warm and musical. Let's set the budget at 2 levels 600 and 1000. I am also willing to trade or sell the Pioneer. Let the games begin. Many thanks.
cellorover

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outlier
381 posts
 
I haven't used the PD-93, but I own the DV-09 which supposedly retailed at around $2,200. I found the CD playback adequate. I then upgraded to MSB Link Dac III for CD playback and found improvement but nothing to write home about. Then I got a YBA CD1 and CD playback is unambigbously superior. Were I to take a DAC route, I think the best bang for your buck would be the EVS Millenium II DAC at about $1k. I think it would trounce any other DAC at the price, and this DAC is so hot now that were you not happy with it you could sell it for practically what you bought it for. Good luck,
John.
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