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Should I make any changes?

I would like some thoughts about making some equipment changes or just do nothing. Sadly, I had to substantially reduce the size of my listening room and forever say goodbye to my Apogee Divas, Krell power amps, preamp and the big open sound they produced. I have set up a smaller system consisting of Harbeth SHL5+XD speakers, an Accuphase E-280 integrated amp with top quality cables. I listen mostly to jazz and classical music on CDs so I retained my Sonic Frontiers “Iris” transport with a Theta Gen 5 DAC from the original system. The overall sound is not as big but very good, but these units are decades old and possibly an equipment upgrade could markedly improve the CD sound. Here’s my first question: I keep the Sonic Frontiers transport (probably still state-of-the art) and replace the Theta with a current top quality DAC. My second question: Replace both units with a high quality single compact disc player. In either case what, if any, newer units could improve sound of the new smaller system. My price range is 3K to 4K (or more?).
larryjazz
knotscott's avatar
knotscott
1,383 posts
 

Room treatment, and maybe even a quality subwoofer?

 

onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,433 posts
 

I would recommend on the Teac/Esoteric CD player/streamers.  They are above your stated budget, but you might want to stretch for one.

I liked the Theta converters, but by current standards they lack openess and transparency.  IMO, not a critical flaw.  Doing nothing isn't a bad decision.

kennyc
2,832 posts
 

Digital audio has progressed rapidly in the last 10years.  So modern DACs typically is significantly sonically superior than those from the past.

A CD player has both a transport+DAC.  In the 3-4k range it’s difficult to find high sonic quality CD player.

Since the OP already has a transport (assuming it’s up to the task and not a sonic bottleneck), suggest getting a stand alone DAC.

zlone
1,319 posts
 

Yes, a DAC upgrade is definitely in order. I am with @ghdprentice , it is a good time to switch to streaming, you will be glad that you did. Schiit makes a good range of DAC’s, from the same guy that designed your Theta. I like the Innuos streamers, good software, good support, great sound.

dynacohum
833 posts
 

Ayre CX8 with an optional USB module and a Node Icon should set you up for top tier CD playback and streaming.  The Ayre would need to be used to fit the budget. 

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