Newer, cheaper digital is getting better all the time. People should realize that with respect to digital, they are essentially buying a computer; one that, unfortunately will be well on its way to obsolesence in 6 months to a year. I've written about this here a number of times, but will simply repeat it. Almost 3 years ago, I sold an Arcam Alpha 8SE CD player. What did I replace it with? An RCA 5223P DVD player (which I still use today). The RCA (which I understand is Panasonic based and quite reasonably built-more solid than almost any of today's DVD players) simply sounded better. If I was to buy something today, I'd probably look at the Philips 963SA-a serious bang for the buck well under $400. Unless you have an outrageously expensive system and the room to go with it, along with tremendously deep pockets, I think that digital front ends are at the absolute top of the list in terms of diminishing returns in this hobby.
source disappointment
I have built a system that I would guess is fairly revealing(in my limited experience), and have begun experimentation with the CD Source.
Signal Cable Analog 2
Cary SLP 88 pre
Zcable Live V3
Cary 2A3 se monoblocks
Elco Sti-2b Silver Bi-wire (used as single for soliloquys)
Soliloquy 2A3 monitors
Sennheiser HD590
I recently purchased a used Audio Note CD 2 to replace the use of my Panasonic XP50 DVD/DVD-A, player which I assumed was not much of a source, though it does have a remastering upsample feature.
In several extended listening sessions using various albums I have been unable to detect any sonic improvement offered by the Audio Note which I purchased because of their reputation for analog sound. I actually A/B'd a getz/gilberto cd I had two copies of, syncing both players up and using my Headphones, and I believe I prefered the Panasonic. During intermmitent audience applause on the disc, the Panasonic rendered a warmer and much wider soundstage.
Is this crazy?
Signal Cable Analog 2
Cary SLP 88 pre
Zcable Live V3
Cary 2A3 se monoblocks
Elco Sti-2b Silver Bi-wire (used as single for soliloquys)
Soliloquy 2A3 monitors
Sennheiser HD590
I recently purchased a used Audio Note CD 2 to replace the use of my Panasonic XP50 DVD/DVD-A, player which I assumed was not much of a source, though it does have a remastering upsample feature.
In several extended listening sessions using various albums I have been unable to detect any sonic improvement offered by the Audio Note which I purchased because of their reputation for analog sound. I actually A/B'd a getz/gilberto cd I had two copies of, syncing both players up and using my Headphones, and I believe I prefered the Panasonic. During intermmitent audience applause on the disc, the Panasonic rendered a warmer and much wider soundstage.
Is this crazy?