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CDP recommendation for Creek Classic 5350se

Hey all,
I need some recommendations on a CDP. I posted yesterday for feedback on a Yamaha CD-S700 but didn't get much traction on that post.

I'm currently using the 5350se with Neat Motive 3 speakers. Most of the time I listen to FLAC from my PC through a MF VDAC2.
But now that I've got lots of CD's I would like to listen to them occasionally on a dedicated CDP.
In the meanwhile I have an Arcam DV135. It's a decent CDP, but I'm wondering if a dedicated unit would be better.
The Creek's are obvious recommendations.. CD53, or Classic CD, EVO, EVO2, EVO 50a....
I haven't heard any, and they don't come up often on the used boards, so not sure how the newer EVO match with the "older" 5350se.
Another option is an Arcam.. but again, which? There are CD17, 72, 73, 23, 192 ....

Anything else come to mind?
Thanks!
itsikhefez

Showing 4 responses by itsikhefez

itsikhefez OP
63 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestions.
Are either an Oppo or NAD upgrades to the Arcam DV135? Even though its not a dedicated CDP it is pretty decent
itsikhefez OP
63 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestions.

My budget does allow for one of those BEE players, so that is an option.
Another one is a Rega Apollo.

Anyone have experience with the Apollo and Creek?

Another option is perhaps to replace the MF V-DAC 2 and use the Arcam as a transport. That would also upgrade my PC music.

I'm not sure if I want to get into the adventure of finding another DAC
itsikhefez OP
63 posts
 
Based on my budget, I have a shortlist from used classifieds. Any recommendations from these to go with the Creek:
1) Arcam CD73
2) Exposure 3010
3) Exposure 2010s2
4) Creek Evo
5) Creek Destiny or Rega Saturn (would require almost doubling my budget but if it keeps me satisfied longer it may be worth it)
6) Rega Apollo (as recommended here as well)

(just a bit reluctant on the Used Rega because of the potential mech issues)
itsikhefez OP
63 posts
 
While this thread isn't that old (~5months) my system has went through alot of changes since.
I ended up buying a Creek Destiny CDP which upon arrival had busted caps. I recapped it and while it was good, it wasn't as good as I'd expected for a top of the line CDP. (I was also never sure if the busted cap may have lead to some sort of damage). For example, it wasn't significantly better than a basic hrt microStreamer DAC.
This lead for a system overhaul where I replaced my speakers to PMC DB1i (super happy about these) and then I sold the CDP and bought PS Audio Nuwave DSD DAC.

I eventually replaced the Creek ammp although that was the least significant improvement (if any at all) and I still think it is an amazing amp. In hindsight I may have just held on to it.

Not from personal experience but the NAD should be a super combo with it.
Please update on your findings
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