Ihad a 39 and a denon dvd5000 for dvds. The 39 was very musical. I tried the sony9000es when it came out and it had more detail than the 39 and better video than the denon. I sold the 39 and denon and bought the sony. I now have a msb gold dac3 with p1000 power supply on cd playback and it is even better. I sometimes think that more detail doesnt mean more musical and in the future might try a levinson 390s.The sony is a great deal used and you might be happy without even using the dac you have. It is also a great transport and great dvd player and sacd player. That is the way to go without spending much and will be easily resold if not your cup of tea.
ML No.39 or Proceed transport + BelCanto DAC2?
I was going to buy a Proceed CDD transport ($2500 msrp/$1K used) for use with my Bel Canto DAC2. It has the same architecture as the Levinson No.37 transport, much of the same feature set, though cheaper parts and packaging. Plenty good for my DAC's needs with a top digital interconnect.
But for another $1K net (say $2800 - $800 for my dac - $1K not spent on CDD) I could have a Levinson No.39 cdp. For all the advantages the 39 brings in flexibility, resale, HDCD, preamp functions, appearance etc, will it sound as good as the BelCanto driven by a decent transport? This is the '95-designed No.39, not the current 390S (yet, as the upgrade is another $1500).
If I knew the 39 would sound at least as good as my known-great-sounding BC I could fairly easily justify the extra $1K for a few years until the hi-rez formats take hold (or not). But I don't know that it will even sound as good. Please provide some personal experiences and educated guesses.
But for another $1K net (say $2800 - $800 for my dac - $1K not spent on CDD) I could have a Levinson No.39 cdp. For all the advantages the 39 brings in flexibility, resale, HDCD, preamp functions, appearance etc, will it sound as good as the BelCanto driven by a decent transport? This is the '95-designed No.39, not the current 390S (yet, as the upgrade is another $1500).
If I knew the 39 would sound at least as good as my known-great-sounding BC I could fairly easily justify the extra $1K for a few years until the hi-rez formats take hold (or not). But I don't know that it will even sound as good. Please provide some personal experiences and educated guesses.