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Looking for a better CD changer

I am coming to the realization that a brightness problem (with accompanying listener fatigue) I've been wrestling with in my system is a source problem. My CD player has been a Denon DCM370 changer, which has been very dependable, but improved speakers and cables are revealing its shortcomings. My amp is an Arcam Alpha 8R integrated.

My personal preference is a CD changer rather than a single player (yes, I understand this is not the "best" source). Like many other audio hobbyists, I don't have a ton of money to spend. Suggestions from anybody on an upgrade would be appreciated.
salby6

Showing 1 response by sufentanil

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sufentanil
782 posts
 
Hi,

You might consider connecting your changer to an external DAC such as one from California Audio Labs or Bel Canto ($400-$500 range used). You will experience a significant improvement in performance; I did exactly that with an only Sony ES changer when I hooked it up to a California Audio Labs Alpha DAC.

For a one-box solution, the California Audio Labs CL-10 is frequently tossed around as one of the better one-box changers for Redbook. Expect to pay somewhere around $700-$800 used. Or, you might consider one of the newer Sony ES changers (SCD-333ES and SCD-555ES, I believe) that can also accommodate SACD.

I hope that helps a little.

Michael
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