2. digital
  3. 1251143421

Getting back into digital. Please help.

Need help on something that can compete with my vinyl. I haven't paid much attention to digital the last several years and haven't a clue what is good or sound characteristics of certain brands other than Naim.

No dealers where I live so used market. Hopefully I can get something with warranty left. Price range $5K or less. SACD is nice but not a dealbreaker.

System is 300B amp or a 45 amp into Altec Model 19s. Preamp is also tube - 76/6F8G based. 300B amp has gain pots and enough gain that can take digital source direct.

Current CD is ten year old Technics player. Smooth but uninvolving and nothing like the Naim CD5/Flatcap combo we have upstairs (awesome). Also tried the playstation...same sort of sound as the Technics.
plinko
ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,366 posts
 
Musicslug. Which USB DAC did you listen to?
musicslug
430 posts
 
if I recall correctly, I listened to an Ayre and a Linn
Ag insider logo xs@2x
drrsutliff
834 posts
 
Consider the Lector line. My 0.6 model has a true tube (12AT7) output not just a tube buffer and gives a near analog presentation for a resonable cost. It is not bright and forward but slightly dark and dynamic with very good detail.
plinko OP
254 posts
 
Musicslug, I have nothing against a HD solution but it would be a big change. I'm glad I started the thread because I never really considered.

Do these companies have a house sound or is generalizing going to mislead? Thinking of Wadia, Esoteric, Meridian, Marantz, etc....

I know that what I want is something Naim like. Extensiona and details are not important. Conveying the emotion of the music is what is important to me (dynamics, microdynamics,etc...).
rufipennis
118 posts
 
In your price range, I recommend any of Ayre's digital products, especially with the new "MP" filter. My upgraded CX-7e MP rivals my analog rig - seriously!
More to discover