2. amps-preamps
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New amp or new cd player?

With which will i see a bigger improvement in my sound. I have a Mcintosh MA6450 integrated, Gallo 3.1 speakers, and an onkyo dv-sp404 dvd/cd player. Monster interconnects, and transparent music wave speaker cable.

Obviously my weakest link is the onkyo dvd player as a cd player. I was thinking about upgrading it to a naim cd 5i or classe cdp-102. However, I also know that my amp could be more powerful as it is 100wpc into 4ohms, but only 50/75? wpc in to my 8ohm gallo 3.1's.

My question is.. with which change will i see a greater improvemt? In my currently living sitatuon, the mcintosh easily powers my speakers louder than i can play them for an extended amount of time, but will more power equate to more bass? I was thinking about the Classe cap-2100, but will this result in more bass, and better imaging/soundstage/etc, or simply the ability to play louder, which i dont really need.

As for the cd player, I have a hard time believing a cd player can make THAT big of a difference (I am new to this high end audio stuff), although I know they must because all I have read on here and other places around the internet. Although I have also read that a decent cdp used as a transport, and a dac such as the bel canto dac 2, sound nearly as good as some of the very good cd players out there.

So.. long story short.. would i see a bigger improvement if i keep the onkyo as my cdp, and upgrade the amp, or if i keep the mac 6450 and upgrade the cdp?

James
farjamed

Showing 2 responses by jylee

jylee
306 posts
 
I agree with the general sentiment. It's garbage in / garbage out, and you want the source to produce the best possible sound.

But when you consider your budget, and if you want to stretch $1500 as much as you can, there could be better ways to spend the money than buying a $1500 CDP. For example you can allocate $500 for a budget entry level CDP with good modern DAC, and upgrade your $1500 amp to $2500 amp.

In my previous experience, I've heard more variety in sound of amps under $3000 than CDP under $1500. Amps in $2000-$3000 range tend to differ in sound from one another. Modern CDP under $1500 tend to sound more similar than different. Notable exceptions are exotic DACs (NOS, tubed), or older generation (early 2000's or older) models.

IMHO the balance among the components is just as important, and you don't want to over-invest in one component.
jylee
306 posts
 

Assuming all entry level cdps around 1500-2000 sound the same, i would also assume they sound much better than my 150$ onkyo dvd/cdp?

I didn't say they sound the same. It's all about the diminishing return of the investment. What I have suggested is to spend around $500 to buy an entry level dedicated CDP, and use the rest on other area. CDPs with modern design and good quality parts such as Cambridge Audio or even Onkyo DX-7555 are very well received, and you'll probably hear immediate improvement. However, the incremental difference in sound quality between those $500 CDP and $1500 CDP is probably going to be smaller than the difference between $1500 and $2500 amps. If you have higher budget, say $3000, then sure, go ahead and buy $1500 CDP. If your budget is $1500, don't spend them all on one component.
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