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Help CDP over vinyl upgrade advice please

The last few years I have been keen on vinyl, as I found even my mid-level TT (Denon 62L with DL103R) to better the sound I get from my CDP and most CD material. I'm using two systems- switched at will from several sources. One system is Altec 604D drivers in vintage teakwood cabinets pushed by 300B SET. The other is smaller Dynaudio monitors driven by EL34 push-pull. Subwoofer used mostly with the Altecs.

I find the vinyl rig to outshine my trusty old Sony X7esd cdp and would like to know if a suitable upgrade to close the gap is available. I also use a Sony sacd rig- the sa-333 I think it is- it is quite improved in sacd format- but can't redbook quality be better? Main advancements desired are better dynamics , also a more 'live and dimensional' sound. My main beef with most cd's is a lack of interest. I put them on and then lose interest ;-)

Looking to spend under $1200-1500 either used or new to get results. Hoping for a quantum leap forward, otherwise I'll probably stay on the vinyl trail.

Have I bumped into the old cd vs vinyl differences? or can a better CDP be attained with todays tech improvements?

CDP must be front loader not top. Any thoughts on the tubed CDP's currently available?

Thanks for your help...
128x128rwbadley

Showing 3 responses by czbbcl

czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Your only option is to buy something used like maybe a Sony scd777es and have it modded and even then you will be at twice your budget. Otherwise forget it in your price range it doesn't exist. Stay where you are.

I have the opposite dilema I have not found vinyl I like. My modded scd-1 is my sonic bliss and I am staying put. I have considered buying something just to play my 150+ lps and settle for what I get.

In the end I think one likes what one likes and thats all there is to it. I went digital in the early 90's and never went back. The blackness of the background just pulled me in and I could never stand the pops and clicks of vinyl.

Chuck
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Well I guess I can't hear but thats OK because as long as I am happy with the sound of my system thats all that matters.

Chuck
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Spiro

No offense taken. I was simply making a comment and I realize your comment was a generalization and not pointed at me specically. I have yet to hear great vinyl and it is a little (alot) frustrating when everyone talks about how great it is. After reading these threads maybe I am expecting to much. When set up properly and played through high quality equipment it does sound very good don't get me wrong. But I still prefer digital.

I have on occasion considered buying a TT mostly to play the 100+ albums currently in storage in my basement. And also because I find some of the TT designs to be very beautiful mechanical works of art; must be the mechanical engineer in me.

And in the end your are right to each his own.

Chuck
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