2. digital
  3. 1104890998

Will a more resolving CDP improve my system?

Hi. I have a fairly decent system that I have built up recently-Soliloquy 6.3 speakers, Conrad-Johnson PV10a preamp and MF-2200 amp, and an Arcam CD73T. I was looking to maybe purchase a nicer CDP (like a Consonance Reference 2.2) that was more resolving, with better detail. But, I am wondering-will a more improved CDP make much of a difference in my system? Or, is it too low-end to benefit much from an improved CDP? Everyone I hear raving about high-end CDP's seem to have high-end parts elsewhwere-my system's value at retail is about $7K. Should I spend another $500 on a CDP, or elsewhere (preamp is the next obvious upgrade, as is upgrading the amp with current parts). I live in a remote area and don't have the luxury of taking units home and demoing them. Thanks!

Chiho
chiho

Showing 1 response by metralla

metralla
945 posts
 
One way to test if the preamp is limiting the resolution of your system is to try connecting the RCA outputs of the Arcam directly to the power amp. Of course you will have no volume control, but if you select the right piece of music you will get an idea.

If you play Bolero, which starts off at a very low level, and have the remote handy, pinky on the "Stop" button, you'll get some way through the piece before you have to stop. Try it that way and with the pre-amp in place.

Regards,
More to discover