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Pioneer PD65 needs a DAC

I have a Pioneer PD65 that I have been using as it was intended, a CD player. I don't see (or hear) any reason to replace it as a transport, I would just like to hear if I can improve upon it with an outboard DAC. I have a pair of Dali MS5's currently driven by a pair of BAT VK1000 monoblocks that I might change to either Pass X600's or Elecrocompaniet Nemo's. I am also in the process of changing my BAT VK5i preamp to a Pass X1. I listen to Classic rock, Jazz, Vocal, Classical, most type's with the exception of current rock, RAP, Hip-Hop. Not interested in ruining my equipment. Because technology is always changing in this area, I don't really want to spend thousands. But if that what it takes, please don't exclude it from your recommodations. Any advise would be appreciated.
zippyy

Showing 2 responses by audioengr

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
The outboard DAC will get you the best CD sound. The ECD-1 is very good stock. I recommend it for anyone that is not planning to modify their gear. It does not have good HF extension though. Rather warm sounding.

As for the Transport, the PD-65 needs help. A Superclock2 at a minimum. It also has very cheap output pulse transformer and is not well matched to 75 ohms. Mods are recommended. In stock form, you should be using a 2m S/PDIF cable. I would replace the transport with a modded Sony DVP-S7700.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
Manufacturer
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Zippyy - The 7000 is built well and makes a decent transport, although not as good as the 7700. I offer a digital mod for the 7000 that is not too expensive to make it a better transport. With the mod, you can safely use a 1m cable.

As for DAC's, I have not found a better sounding DAC than the Turbomodded Perpetual Technologies P-3A. It is around $2100 for a used DAC plus all of the mods. Other DAC's, even with mods, just dont match the dynamics and liveness of the P-3A. It truly sounds like live music, but without the HF harshness of typical stock DAC's. Also, it is one of the few that actually achieves 3-dimensionality. Many have P-3A's with others mods in them, but this is a different animal. It is on the same level as the Meitner DAC for CD playback.
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