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XA7ES, Miles, Cary 301, ARC CD-1?? Direct to amp..

Hi all!

I know that this topic has been BEATEN to death and I HAVE looked through the archives, but still have questions.

I need a CDP that'll connect directly to my amp. I've seen many recommendations for the Theta Miles...is it really that good?

The Sony XA-7ES seems like a hell of a piece for the money. It also seems that there are many people using it w/o a pre with good results.

Finally, I'm intrigued by the Audio Research CD-1. Anyone have any experience with using the remote volume capability?

I'm sure that each of these players is good in its' own right, but what I'd like to know is which one (or maybe another?) would do the best job of driving an amp directly?

BTW - I'm trying not to spend much more than about $1K used. $1,300 would be the absolute MAX.

Thanks everybody!
danheather
smw30yahoocom
154 posts
 
I was trying CD players out a few years ago and had a Theta Miles and a Meridian 508.24 at the same time. I listened to the Theta all day, then in the evening I put the Meridian on and in 5 seconds I knew that I would not buy the Theta, the Meridian was so much better. I know the Meridian doesn't have a volume control, but the message here is to try as many different cd players as possible, then decide for yourself which sounds best. I may have been ok with the Theta if I hadn't tried the Meridian, but I doubt it. The Meridian does cost more tho, so I guess it should have sounded better, but once I heard the difference between the two, the money was secondary. The bottom line is to try and listen to a few players that interest you before buying, then decide.
danheather OP
108 posts
 
Thanks everybody. To answer Daniel's question, I'm running a Forte Model 4 amp, so unbalanced would be fine with the Sony.

What's the difference between analog and digital volume controls? Does the Sony XA7ES have an analog or digital volume control?

Thanks,

Dan
danielk141
489 posts
 
Dan,

The Sony has a motorized analog variable output. Think of it as a conventional passive pre amp with remote control.
It will allow you to lower the volume & take it up to the maximum output of the player. It does NOT have gain like an active pre amp. The Theta Miles is like this also, the Theta products have a reputation for higher than industry standard output. Depending on your speakers & room size, you probably won't need an active pre amp with the Sony or Theta Miles. If you're using small monitors in a large room, you'll might want an active pre amp to make the music more dynamic..

Daniel
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