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What cd player or cd transport/dac is next for me?

I have a ML 335, ML 380S, Dunlavy SCIV's, Harmonic Tech Magic Ones biwired and Stealth Gold interconnects currently with Sony SCD-1. I had a Resolution Audio CD55 for about a year. I found that the redbook play of the Sony and CD55 were comparable with different strengths, but similar enough that I characterize them as of the same class/level.

I wish to make a significant shift in cd play. First, is it necessary in your opinion to go to the top of the heap to get dramatic improvements? Is used equipment available in your opinion that will yield those results at used prices?

I have heard the ML 39, EMC-1 ML 30.5 & 31.6 in similar systems to mine. Are the new generation of mid-level cd units dramatically improved over the prior generation? (Ml 39/ML 39S, EMC-1 upgrade)

I look forward to useful ideas for improvement. All other thoughts I suspect will be appreciated also!

Bill E.
lakefrontroad

Showing 1 response by jtinn

jtinn
1,124 posts
 
I have had the Levinson digital, the dCS delius and purcell and none come close to the Audiomeca or Audio Aero. Audiomeca makes the Enkianthus DAC and Mephisto II Transport and CD Player. Both pieces are incredibly easy to listen to and of course upsample to 24 /192. The other very interesting CD Player is the Audio Aero Capitol 24 /192. This unit uses the same chipset in the Audiomeca but has a proprietary technology for upsampling. It also uses a tube output stage. The Capitole also has the added ability to be used without a preamp. It has a remote controlled volume and has a ton of gain.

Both are reasonably priced compared with the Levinson and dCS, and they both out perform them.
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