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Looking to Upgrade my CDP

Currently using a jolida 100A with 1959 Amperex tubes. The sound is warm with a huge soundstage, but I’m looking to move up to the next level. I’m not interested in computer audio, just a dedicated CD player that will get the most out of my large classical Redbook collection.

I’ve auditioned a Naim CDP and I think it might sound too detailed in my system, so I like the idea of tubes such as a Raysonic or an Ayon. Budget is around $2500 to $3000 new or used.

I’ve learned from many of you on the forum how important the master clock is in preventing jitter, thus leading to a more natural presentation.
I’d like to hear your recommendations keeping in mind I’m looking for focused, open sonics and I hate to use the word, but close to “analogue” sound.

many thanks.
128x128lowrider57

Showing 8 responses by lowrider57

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,393 posts
 
I should add that I'll probably be using it single-ended.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,393 posts
 
I hate threads when members provide advice and then you never hear back from the OP. Well, thank you all for the recommendations...I found an ARC CD3 mkII here on the Gon. And I wouldn't have been searching for it if not for Rrog's advice.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,393 posts
 
I'm very happy with my new(used) ARC CD-3... fantastic imaging and dynamics plus no more CD glare.

Question... anybody have experience using HiFi tuning fuses in their CDP? I'm not looking for more detail, but a smoother presentation in the highs.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,393 posts
 
Rrog, let me explain. My CD3 is quite analogue-sounding, the trouble is with early digital. My listening is 90% classical and strings sound warm and sweet, in fact instruments sound more natural or organic than vinyl (well, vinyl does have some colorations but that's why we love it).
The early period of CD mastering is in a word harsh. My post stems from the fact that I have a massive amount of DG recordings from their rough years with the harsh highs and the over-mic'd brass.

I'm looking for any ideas to make these CDs sound tolerable. My 12 x 16' room is very well damped, although I am going to hang another acoustic panel on the rear wall corner.
My cables are Cardas and there's no money currently to upgrade.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,393 posts
 
Yes Rrog,
I have a Jolida 100a with some very expensive Amperex tubes, also an NAD. the Jolida handles old CDs pretty well and rolls off the highs, but I could make some good money by selling it.
I'm really thinking about an EQ for the old CDs now that I'm hooked on the ARC.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,393 posts
 
Newbee...appreciate the advice.

I'm using 1957 Amperex and the soundstaging is out-of-this
world. BUT they do have that sting at the top end.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,393 posts
 
I appreciate the comments, Nonoise. I'm not looking to change this new ARC; it performs well in every way.

"The harshness still comes through in the form of slightly over emphasized instrumental location which supplants the edginess they engineered out."

This statement says a lot to me. I was thinking about using a Rane or dbx EQ for the problem CDs; both these units have constant-Q. This EQ concept has been discussed many times on the forum.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,393 posts
 
Thank you both for responding.

"Stay with a name you can trust."
Good advice since it seems like Raysonic is out of business.
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