I've owned this unit for about 3yrs now and have been very pleased its sound. I've recently gotten the itch to move on to something else but am a bit scared that the increased price of another unit may not necessarily equate to improved sound.
From a measurements standpoint using the Stereophile review as a guide I find it difficult to imagine a drastic increase in SQ by going with something else given the stellar specs this unit puts out despite its cost compared to higher brow competition. If I do move on, the only unit I am really considering is the Pass X P30.
I feel there is plenty of room for improvement to be found by using a different external DAC though. My Meitner MA-1 DAC easily shows the CP800 a clean pair of heels from a D/A conversion SQ standpoint but thats to be expected, I think. In general though, the included DAC found within the CP800 does sound very clean though.
I think the biggest issue when using the built in DSP functionality of the CP800 is the inherent down conversion of the audio stream in the digital realm and the additional D/A....A/D conversion that takes place along the way.
In general though, this is a very impressive PreAmp for the money
From a measurements standpoint using the Stereophile review as a guide I find it difficult to imagine a drastic increase in SQ by going with something else given the stellar specs this unit puts out despite its cost compared to higher brow competition. If I do move on, the only unit I am really considering is the Pass X P30.
I feel there is plenty of room for improvement to be found by using a different external DAC though. My Meitner MA-1 DAC easily shows the CP800 a clean pair of heels from a D/A conversion SQ standpoint but thats to be expected, I think. In general though, the included DAC found within the CP800 does sound very clean though.
I think the biggest issue when using the built in DSP functionality of the CP800 is the inherent down conversion of the audio stream in the digital realm and the additional D/A....A/D conversion that takes place along the way.
In general though, this is a very impressive PreAmp for the money