2. amps-preamps
  3. 1233125891

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 magnumpi205

magnumpi205
504 posts
 
The more threads I read, the more I realize that CD player's transports a dying way ahead of their time.
I would buy a really good DAC and play the Onkyo until it dies and replace. That way you still have a great Dac and don't end up with an expensive player as a boat anchor.
Your amp and speakers are both solid.
It' very simple, garbage-in garbage out.
magnumpi205
504 posts
 
James,
The quality of sound rises as dollars spent rises. At some point the diminishing returns factor comes into play. Does the increase in dollars spent gain that much improvement.
If you ever get a chance go to an audio show or go to an area that has numerous audio stores. Listen!
You will come to the realization that there are components at a fairly low price that easily outperform much more expensive ones. As you begin to cut through the bull, you'll find that you can put together a very good system at a reasonable price.
Lots of Oppos used as transports at RMAF 2007, that seems to exemplify the point.
More to discover