I'm kinda in the same situation as the original poster (paleo12). I am in the process of putting together my "last" system. I have a 50 year involvement in audio systems resulting in a fairly extensive collection of LPs, CDs, and a relatively small but growing collecting of SACDs. I am late to the digital streaming and music server party but am interested in expanding my system in that direction. At the same time, the prospect of ripping my entire CD collection (1000+) is a task I am not exactly looking forward to. I probably want to have a good quality CD/SACD player as a permanent part of my system from now on. Currently I have a Meridian 508.24 CD player (20 yrs old) and a Sony 5400ES SACD player. Obviously I use the Sony for my SACDs but alternate between the two for rebook CD playback. I know the Meridian has to be near the end of it's life, but it just keeps on working. I also know that the advances in digital playback since 1997 have been significant. The Sony 5400ES is an excellent player and represents some of the advancements in digital playback but it too is starting to get a little old (7 yrs).
I am thinking about replacing both of these players with good quality single CD/SACD player that would be and significant upgrade in sound. So far I am considering something like the Esoteric K-07 or PS Audio's new Memory player paired with their Direct Stream DAC. The advantage of the PS Audio option is that it includes a separate DAC that may make it easier to expand my digital streaming options in the future. Anyone have thoughts on memory players vs conventional disc players? What other options should I also be looking at.
I am thinking about replacing both of these players with good quality single CD/SACD player that would be and significant upgrade in sound. So far I am considering something like the Esoteric K-07 or PS Audio's new Memory player paired with their Direct Stream DAC. The advantage of the PS Audio option is that it includes a separate DAC that may make it easier to expand my digital streaming options in the future. Anyone have thoughts on memory players vs conventional disc players? What other options should I also be looking at.