AudioCircle
Industry Circles => Salk Signature Sound => Topic started by: rahimlee54 on 14 Apr 2009, 04:16 pm
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I have decided to go ahead and get a dedicated cd player instead of using my PS3, I was wondering if anyone could throw out some suggestions on a nice neutral cd player <500, I plan on using just this until I get I can get a DAC. I'd like to be able to pop in DVDA and SACDs in just in case I get the urge but that isnt a deal breaker. I couldnt really decide where to post this but I figured on this section would be good,since you can tell me what you think works well with salks.
Used is cool.
Jared
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Maybe a Rotel RCD-1072. I think Rotel is replacing that model, so you can possibly find one for a discount. I have one and like it as a standalone player. But, I now use it as a transport with my AVA Ultra DAC. The Rotel has been very reliable. :D
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If you are getting a DAC down the road, why not just get an Oppo 983?
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If you are getting a DAC down the road, why not just get an Oppo 983?
Agreed. 8)
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I bought a Denon 3910 for $500 from a dealer after it had been discontinued. You can find these used in excellent condition for <$500 as owners move to Blu-ray. IMHO the audio quality from the 3910 is close to my CD-only Classe CDP10, which cost significantly more and received several rave reviews. The 3910 also offers DVDA and SACD capability.
Here are two links to reviews that comment on the superior audio quality of the Denon 3910.
http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_12_1/denon-dvd-3910-dvd-player-1-2005.html (http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_12_1/denon-dvd-3910-dvd-player-1-2005.html)
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/dvd-players/denon-dvd-3910-dvd-player-review (http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/transports/dvd-players/denon-dvd-3910-dvd-player-review)
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Ditto the ditto, Oppo
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I had thought about the oppo and then I wasnt sure how long it would be until the DAC did actually come along so I figured I may want something more substantial, so I am trying to read up on alternatives, but I may just save the cash and go with the oppo as well.
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There are some great deals on both new and used DACs. I recently bought an AVA T8 DAC for $650.00 including shipping and PayPal fees. Otherwise, if you are looking for a one-box CDP, there have been some deals on used Music Hall CD25 and Cambridge Audio 540C players. I bought a Marantz CD5001 last year ($299.00 from Crutchfield) which is fine as a transport, but the analog output doesn't sound very good. Whatever you get, you will want a CDP or transport that has a very quiet power supply. I tried to use a cheap Philips DVP from Costco as a transport, and I had terrible noise in my system.
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If you are getting a DAC down the road, why not just get an Oppo 983?
Agreed. 8)
Excellent suggestion!
George
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For redbook cd only, Maxwlarath has a Jolida for sale here in AC for a bargain price. I'd put it up against any Oppo or Denon. The tube output stage is the key. You'd probably want to replace the stock tubes, though... they're not very good.
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or wait until the Oppo BDP-83 is released.
DAC: Two-channel Cirrus CS4398 DAC for Discrete Stereo; Eight-channel CS4382A DAC for Multi-Channel Analog
(I borrowed from http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1124287)
And I know somebody on here is in the EAP (beta testing) program and can actually comment on the analog performance. Was it Adydula?
-Kevin
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If you want used,easy choice ,,Arcam cd92 ,92t cd23 cd23t
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I am very happy with sony CDP-CE275 and monica2 dac. I don't even think about upgrading.
also I like Samsung DVD-V2000, inconvenient to use, but sounds great.
IMO Oppo 980 sounds too harsh, overly bright. just like the most players with oversampling.
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I owned a Oppo 980 and agree it wasn't up to par for me and got rid of it. I am in the EAP for the 983 and LOVE it. I've never owned a hi end CD player so I may not be the best person to ask comparing for that. But I find it VERY good compared to my Toshiba A2, PS3, and AppleTV with Lossless audio.
Someday I'd like to try a "hi end" CD player. I'm also interested in all the comments I hear on external DACs. They really make that much difference?
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I am in the Oppo EAP group and have had the BD 83 for 3+ weeks and 2 firmware updates. So far it has been a very good performer.
Extremely versatile and has more things to tweak than you could imagine.
The sound is marvelous and it built very well, 11 lbs, stable and works with most all the stuff thats out there.
They did a lot of engineering in the 2 ch analog part and its paid off.
The cost WAS $499 for the EAP. I dont know what the retail price will be.
I think the product is just a few weeks away from retail by my best guessing.
I sold a $1800 high end Denon CD player and this is just as good to my ears and does so much more other than 2 ch audio.
Alexh
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A link to a thread where we're discussing the Oppo BD83.
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=66733.0 (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=66733.0)
Can't beat it for $500, IMO.
A nice CDP too, but I can't yet say it's a giant killer WRT only CD performance (again, IMO).
Suggest people get it (when released) for the blu-ray capabilities first and if it happens to replace your CDP then it's a bonus. BTW, Oppo has a nice return policy.
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The nice thing about the Oppo is it handles all the advanced HT codecs internally or bitstreams them and does SACD via PCM or DSD..and on and on.
I am sure there are other cd decks that are as good or even better built, but this one is in the sweet spot for a great all around player for stereo to HT and beyond.
Alex
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The nice thing about the Oppo is it handles all the advanced HT codecs internally or bitstreams them and does SACD via PCM or DSD..and on and on.
I am sure there are other cd decks that are as good or even better built, but this one is in the sweet spot for a great all around player for stereo to HT and beyond.
Alex
I use the HDMI jack for surround sound and the analog L/R jack for music. I love that the menu asks you if you want SACD to default to multichannel or stereo. I'm a stereo guy! I also love that they did create a dedicated 2-channel section in the player with it's own 2-channel DAC. I'm sure Oppo will likely eventually release a lower cost bluray player with just HDMI but this player I think is meant to be more of a "giant killer". That is arguable if they achieved that. But I personally have never seen a player with such a great DVD picture and great features all the way around that just works.
Sorry to cheerlead, but I've bought a lot of gear over the last few years that just has quarks to it. It's nice to have something that does what it is supposed to do and do it well.
Can't wait to get some Salks and hook it up! The agony of waiting.....
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The nice thing about the Oppo is it handles all the advanced HT codecs internally or bitstreams them and does SACD via PCM or DSD..and on and on.
I am sure there are other cd decks that are as good or even better built, but this one is in the sweet spot for a great all around player for stereo to HT and beyond.
Alex
I use the HDMI jack for surround sound and the analog L/R jack for music. I love that the menu asks you if you want SACD to default to multichannel or stereo. I'm a stereo guy! I also love that they did create a dedicated 2-channel section in the player with it's own 2-channel DAC. I'm sure Oppo will likely eventually release a lower cost bluray player with just HDMI but this player I think is meant to be more of a "giant killer". That is arguable if they achieved that. But I personally have never seen a player with such a great DVD picture and great features all the way around that just works.
Sorry to cheerlead, but I've bought a lot of gear over the last few years that just has quarks to it. It's nice to have something that does what it is supposed to do and do it well.
Can't wait to get some Salks and hook it up! The agony of waiting.....
So, does Oppo BD-83 outperform all these BD's by Sony, Panasonic and so on <$500 in terms of a picture quality? Just curious.
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There are many comments about this over at avsforum under the blue-ray section...
I had a Sony BDP S300, the BD quality was good but the OPPO has adjustments that the first gen Sonys and others do not have via the Anchor Bay chip and by turning on function and adjustments for the first time.
I you have a newer Sony Blu Ray I dont think its worth upgrading for the blu ray by itself.
I have several decks, and the 2 ch on this is better for sure....
The Sony BDP 300 I has was extremely Slooooooooowwwwww, painfully.
The Oppo is FAST, almost like a STD Dvd deck.
I prefer the 2 ch audio analog output vs the hdmi output...after many, many hours of switching back and forth.
What makes this player so nice is that it decodes and bitstreams all the codecs...Sony and the rest have always trailed in this area...Oppo delivered and even added
SACD, and DVD audio.
Alex
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Given it's my first BR player I can't answer...but if you do some research you'll find...
1. Only one at the price point that plays all formats
2. General consensus is the BR playback is on par with the it's competitors (very good), but the SD DVD up conversion is superior.
3. Proactive customer service
4. Rabid fan club :lol:
That was good enough for me given it was a $500 purchase....and I've been very pleased with it as a BR / DVD player. If it breaks in more and the CD play improves to the level of my current reference (Arcam DV78) then I'll be thrilled, but for now the Arcam stays. Also, if they ever add FLAC support to the media gallery feature I'll be really happy! :D
But back on topic...I'd be really hesitent to spend $500 on a CDP and expect anything much better than the Oppo. Maybe I'll find a ~$500 DAC that I could use with the Oppo as a transport...but it'll have to beat out the Arcam. Hope to find time to compare the Arcam against the CA DACMagic that my local high fi shop now stocks.
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The original Rega Planet is well under $300 and still holds its own. Ooooodles of reviews can be found on the net, I'm sure.
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http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=66848.0 looks pretty good buy a fellow ACer, I have heard a couple arcam products two years ago and thought they were very good but out of price reach for me. I wonder if they have any reliability problems. If it is still for sale that is sent a pm earlier.
I am still checking out different stuff though that you guy are suggesting, I dont think another BR player is in order since I already have the PS3 but I may change my mind at some point.
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The original Rega Planet is well under $300 and still holds its own. Ooooodles of reviews can be found on the net, I'm sure.
I have no idea how it compares to newer players, but the Planet was definitely an excellent value in its day.
I enjoyed the time I spent with mine.
George
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The nice thing about the Oppo is it handles all the advanced HT codecs internally or bitstreams them and does SACD via PCM or DSD..and on and on.
I am sure there are other cd decks that are as good or even better built, but this one is in the sweet spot for a great all around player for stereo to HT and beyond.
Alex
+1 From everything I have read, it's going to be a winner.
So, does Oppo BD-83 outperform all these BD's by Sony, Panasonic and so on <$500 in terms of a picture quality? Just curious.
Check out the below thread. It has comparo's from many people and various different players. In short, after Oppo finishes the tweaks and officially releases the product, it sounds like it will be untouchable for the price.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1136139
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I would recommend Oppo too, although if you're going to get a DAC anyway, it basically doesn't matter what you use as a transport. Pick any well-known brand of DVD player and you'll be fine.
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Alex and Nuance,
Thanks for the links.
Do not mean to hijack the post, so the last ?-- what resolution of digital audio output (co-ax) do you get from BD-83? Is it a standard 16/44 (or 16/48 kHz) or higher?
Art
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I had a listen to Onkyo's audiophile-grade CDP (DX-7555) and was quite blown over by the build and sound quality and the reasonable price tag! Has anyone else auditioned the Onkyo CDP?
http://www.us.onkyo.com/prod_class.cfm?class=Compact%20Disc
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hello
the oppo will put a raw pcm track out(coax/optical)) so this means it is output anything the disc has on it. it only puts sacd over the hdmi output and also the anlog outputs as well. this unit as far i as know is one of the units that will do this. for the money this unit really kicks ass. if you don't care that much about the video part i would go with 980 and not the 983.
when you hear a track that is real 96/192 you'll say to yourself thats what i've been missing. its really very cool.
good luck
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Art,
I just got off the phone with OPPO, I wanted to make sure of the answer I am posting for your question.
Digital coaxial and optical are only 16 bit.
They can support 2 channels up to 192Khz. so....
The 2 ch audio is spec'd at 16/192. No oversampling.
Alex
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Thanks a lot, Alex
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So, does Oppo BD-83 outperform all these BD's by Sony, Panasonic and so on <$500 in terms of a picture quality? Just curious.
[/quote]
From what I've read of bluray players is that most of them perform very well for PQ and hard to tell the difference for bluray playback. Where the Oppo excels is that you can adjust an insane amount of things for those perfectionists out there. DVD playback is incredible with the Anchor Bay VRS.
If someone strictly wants bluray, I think you might as well go with a cheaper solution as long as you can deal with the slower load times. If you want top notch DVD playback, like to tinker, or want enhanced audio like SACD, DVD-A, I think the Oppo is a bargain at $500.
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I have decided to go ahead and get a dedicated cd player instead of using my PS3, I was wondering if anyone could throw out some suggestions on a nice neutral cd player <500, I plan on using just this until I get I can get a DAC. I'd like to be able to pop in DVDA and SACDs in just in case I get the urge but that isnt a deal breaker. I couldnt really decide where to post this but I figured on this section would be good,since you can tell me what you think works well with salks.
Used is cool.
Jared
Back on topic. Jared, I would second the recommendation of the Cambridge Audio 540C. It was an Absolute Sound best player in its price range recommendation when it came out a few years ago. I have the next higher unit, the 640C and it was a significant improvement over my old NAD unit. I think the 540C has a digital output, so you could add a DAC later and use it solely as a transport.
Then again, I have had one high end HI FI dealer do a confessional demo using a cheap Panasonic DVD player and a Benchmark DAC into a high end amp/speaker setup, which rivaled any other player he had in his shop, including Rega.
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http://www.decware.com/newsite/ZCD.htm
Don
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http://www.decware.com/newsite/ZCD.htm
Don
Another option would be to buy the TASCAM CD160MkII CD Player from Amazon for $275.00, of which the Decware is a modified unit, and use an external DAC, despite the initial cost potentially being higher, depending on the DAC.
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The best value CD/SACD player for High Quality sound on the market at present is the Sony SCD-XA5400ES exceptionally good with HDMI outputs for both RB CD & SACD both Stereo & surround. The Sony whilst more expensive that the Universal Oppo 980H definately sounds better.
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Should I be trying to get a DAC and less expensive cd player now as a opposed to waiting? Should my question be DAC <500, with a oppo 980? Will this give me a better sounding system then a former flagship CDP?
Thoughts
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Should I be trying to get a DAC and less expensive cd player now as a opposed to waiting? Should my question be DAC <500, with a oppo 980? Will this give me a better sounding system then a former flagship CDP?
Thoughts
Yes, in my opinion, based upon my limited experience. You will also have more flexibility.
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Should I be trying to get a DAC and less expensive cd player now as a opposed to waiting? Should my question be DAC <500, with a oppo 980? Will this give me a better sounding system then a former flagship CDP?
Thoughts
Yes. That's the only way I would go. If something happens to the CD player, you can always get another cheao one and run it through the DAC. Heck, you can use any old CD player that has a digital output when paired with a DAC. The DAC in the DAC will render the CD player's useless, so why spend a bunch of money on a CD player AND a DAC?
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Should I be trying to get a DAC and less expensive cd player now as a opposed to waiting? Should my question be DAC <500, with a oppo 980? Will this give me a better sounding system then a former flagship CDP?
Thoughts
Yes. That's the only way I would go. If something happens to the CD player, you can always get another cheao one and run it through the DAC. Heck, you can use any old CD player that has a digital output when paired with a DAC. The DAC in the DAC will render the CD player's useless, so why spend a bunch of money on a CD player AND a DAC?
All transport don't sound alike and digital cables make a big difference in sound Don't kid yourself about that a a good transport is just as important as the dac
ED
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Should I be trying to get a DAC and less expensive cd player now as a opposed to waiting? Should my question be DAC <500, with a oppo 980? Will this give me a better sounding system then a former flagship CDP?
Thoughts
Yes. That's the only way I would go. If something happens to the CD player, you can always get another cheao one and run it through the DAC. Heck, you can use any old CD player that has a digital output when paired with a DAC. The DAC in the DAC will render the CD player's useless, so why spend a bunch of money on a CD player AND a DAC?
All transport don't sound alike and digital cables make a big difference in sound Don't kid yourself about that a a good transport is just as important as the dac
ED
Will something along the lines of an Oppo plus a resonalbe DAC sound worse, better, or the same as a 3-4 year old "high end" cd player for around the same price ~700. In your opinion of course.
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As far as as your last question goes two many answers for that here's a couple of my suggestion
this would be a couple of my choices
Transport
(http://pic8.audiogon.com/i/c/f/1239853844.jpg)
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1245038036&/ONIX-XCD-99 (http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1245038036&/ONIX-XCD-99)
dac
http://www.cryo-parts.com/music_hall_audio.html (http://www.cryo-parts.com/music_hall_audio.html)
(http://www.cryo-parts.com/images/dac25_2frontlowrez_lg.jpg)
cdp standalone
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1244912109&/Arcam-FMJ-33 (http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1244912109&/Arcam-FMJ-33)
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1243046220&/Modwright-Sony-9000es-Signatur (http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1243046220&/Modwright-Sony-9000es-Signatur)
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All transport don't sound alike and digital cables make a big difference in sound Don't kid yourself about that a a good transport is just as important as the dac
ED
I never said they all sound alike. I said they WILL sound alike if you run them through a DAC (the same DAC). In that case, any transport will do since it is being run through the DAC. Please re-read what I posted. ;)
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That looks like a good deal on the Arcam, which I might want to pick up to use as a transport for my other DAC.
I haven't heard the Music Hall DAC, but I didn't think the Music Hall CD25.2 CDP was anything to write home about, and at that price, I would look at a used AVA DAC. Jim demonstrates his products with AVA gear, and Jim stated that the AVA DAC "really shines." Although I am a loyal AVA customer and recommend AVA gear without any reservation, the bargain shopper should note that the PS Audio III DAC is on clearance for $700.00 brand new from the factory. Again, while I haven't heard the Music Hall DAC, I think that I would scrape up the additional $200.00 and get the PS Audio DAC, based upon others' reviews.
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All transport don't sound alike and digital cables make a big difference in sound Don't kid yourself about that a a good transport is just as important as the dac
ED
I never said they all sound alike. I said they WILL sound alike if you run them through a DAC (the same DAC). In that case, any transport will do since it is being run through the DAC. Please re-read what I posted. ;)
One thing to keep in mind, besides jitter and the like, is the CDP or DVP's noisiness. There were several of us, who post on the AVA forum, that had varying experiences with a $39.99 Philips DVP. For me, the switched power supply, most likely, threw so much noise into my system that the entire sound was deteriorated by just having the Philips DVP powered up. Whether the problem was dirty AC or RFI or something else, the solution was easy. I took the Philips out of the system and obtained a quieter transport. In the future, I will always try to ascertain that the power supply, on any component that I purchase, is quiet.
I can also offer an opinion on another CDP, the Jolida CD 100. The AVA DAC blows it out of the water. The Jolida made a nice transport, however.
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The original Rega Planet is well under $300 and still holds its own. Ooooodles of reviews can be found on the net, I'm sure.
The Rega Apollo can be had for a bit over your budget. I believe it is supposed to be better than the Planet.
I had it in my system for awhile. It is good and deserves its accolades as a great value performer. It can be had for 600 to 700 used.
If you can stretch your budget to 600 to 800, for one box players, there are others I would choose before the Apollo:
Arcam 23t
Resolution Audio CD55 (or CD50)
Cary 308t
And even cheaper, at around 500 bucks, I would go for:
EE Minimax cdp
Consonance Opera Linear 120
I have owned all of the above players. As you can see I prefer tubed, or tube-like sound.
And they all have it. They are all musical and engaging players. Arcam is probably the most neutral....almost dry compared to the others.
I think the Linear 120 is excellent and may be the sleeper in the bunch. It has an engaging and soulful character. Just a touch flat dimensionally compared to better players. But this player (and most other Consonance products) is prone to operational glitches. Its price has been driven down because of this, but purely from a sonic perspective, I think it is tremendous for the $$.
My faves disregarding price are the Cary and Resolution Audio. The EE minimax is also very nice.
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All transport don't sound alike and digital cables make a big difference in sound Don't kid yourself about that a a good transport is just as important as the dac
ED
I never said they all sound alike. I said they WILL sound alike if you run them through a DAC (the same DAC). In that case, any transport will do since it is being run through the DAC. Please re-read what I posted. ;)
Ummm...all transports do not sound the same, but that is for another thread to discuss.
George
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Agreed on both accounts
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All transport don't sound alike and digital cables make a big difference in sound Don't kid yourself about that a a good transport is just as important as the dac
ED
I never said they all sound alike. I said they WILL sound alike if you run them through a DAC (the same DAC). In that case, any transport will do since it is being run through the DAC. Please re-read what I posted. ;)
Ummm...all transports do not sound the same, but that is for another thread to discuss.
George
That topic is highly debatable and subjective, but yes, for another thread. For what it's worth, though, I assumed a crappy $50 POS wouldn't be being used. To clarify, most, if not all properly designed/good CD transports (CD Players) will sound the same when level match and run through the same ecternal DAC. in the same room using the same equipment. :)
Those that disagree can start a new thread on biasing and ABX tests. :)
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All transport don't sound alike and digital cables make a big difference in sound Don't kid yourself about that a a good transport is just as important as the dac
ED
I never said they all sound alike. I said they WILL sound alike if you run them through a DAC (the same DAC). In that case, any transport will do since it is being run through the DAC. Please re-read what I posted. ;)
One thing to keep in mind, besides jitter and the like, is the CDP or DVP's noisiness. There were several of us, who post on the AVA forum, that had varying experiences with a $39.99 Philips DVP. For me, the switched power supply, most likely, threw so much noise into my system that the entire sound was deteriorated by just having the Philips DVP powered up. Whether the problem was dirty AC or RFI or something else, the solution was easy. I took the Philips out of the system and obtained a quieter transport. In the future, I will always try to ascertain that the power supply, on any component that I purchase, is quiet.
I can also offer an opinion on another CDP, the Jolida CD 100. The AVA DAC blows it out of the water. The Jolida made a nice transport, however.
Again, for another thread, but jitter in most, if not all consumer electronics has been found to be inaudible, even if it does very from one product to another. There have been tests performed about this very thing. But yeah, this is getting off topic. hehe.
P.S. Switching power supplies can equal more noise, so I'd recommend staying away from them.
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As far as as your last question goes two many answers for that here's a couple of my suggestion
this would be a couple of my choices
Transport
(http://pic8.audiogon.com/i/c/f/1239853844.jpg)
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1245038036&/ONIX-XCD-99 (http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1245038036&/ONIX-XCD-99)
dac
http://www.cryo-parts.com/music_hall_audio.html (http://www.cryo-parts.com/music_hall_audio.html)
(http://www.cryo-parts.com/images/dac25_2frontlowrez_lg.jpg)
cdp standalone
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1244912109&/Arcam-FMJ-33 (http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1244912109&/Arcam-FMJ-33)
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1243046220&/Modwright-Sony-9000es-Signatur (http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1243046220&/Modwright-Sony-9000es-Signatur)
I was already checking out one of those arcam players, I really like their stuff personally, the couple times I heard it anyway. Cant decide which way to jump currently a little more researching for me. I do enjoy the suggestions and picking up a bit of knowledge is always good. I was going to go mostly HT with my setup but after hearing the ST with music I decided that was worth the expense of adding associated equipment.
My only prob with that is there would be no way to play DVDA or SACD, neither of which I own but would like to try at some point.
Thanks
Jared
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As far as as your last question goes two many answers for that here's a couple of my suggestion
this would be a couple of my choices
Transport
(http://pic8.audiogon.com/i/c/f/1239853844.jpg)
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1245038036&/ONIX-XCD-99 (http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1245038036&/ONIX-XCD-99)
dac
http://www.cryo-parts.com/music_hall_audio.html (http://www.cryo-parts.com/music_hall_audio.html)
(http://www.cryo-parts.com/images/dac25_2frontlowrez_lg.jpg)
cdp standalone
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1244912109&/Arcam-FMJ-33 (http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1244912109&/Arcam-FMJ-33)
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1243046220&/Modwright-Sony-9000es-Signatur (http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1243046220&/Modwright-Sony-9000es-Signatur)
I was already checking out one of those arcam players, I really like their stuff personally, the couple times I heard it anyway. Cant decide which way to jump currently a little more researching for me. I do enjoy the suggestions and picking up a bit of knowledge is always good. I was going to go mostly HT with my setup but after hearing the ST with music I decided that was worth the expense of adding associated equipment.
My only prob with that is there would be no way to play DVDA or SACD, neither of which I own but would like to try at some point.
Thanks
Jared
That is a gorgeous piece, but like you said, no DVD-A or SACD. That's why I think getting an Oppo 980 or 983 and pairing with a nice DAC would be ideal (check out the PS Audio Digital Link III. There are a few for sale through audiogon). You could always get the new Oppo too, and pair that with a DAC. That would probably be quite the winning combo IMO.
Whatever you go with, listen first if possible. Oh, if you want to try out gear with 30-days to ensure you like it, you can find good stuff from Audio Advisor. Their "open box" stuff is a steal.
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All transport don't sound alike and digital cables make a big difference in sound Don't kid yourself about that a a good transport is just as important as the dac
ED
I never said they all sound alike. I said they WILL sound alike if you run them through a DAC (the same DAC). In that case, any transport will do since it is being run through the DAC. Please re-read what I posted. ;)
The problem is, I don't believe that's true, I can hear a difference between my opera consonsance cdp and my Onix cdp when they are both hooked up to my northstar dac but that just might be me. Ive heard it several times at raves
ED
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I heard the Music Hall dac at Shadowlights mini rave a couple of weeks ago most of us agreed it was better than Levis PS audio dac and cheaper I thought it sounded good for the money.
That looks like a good deal on the Arcam, which I might want to pick up to use as a transport for my other DAC.
I haven't heard the Music Hall DAC, but I didn't think the Music Hall CD25.2 CDP was anything to write home about, and at that price, I would look at a used AVA DAC. Jim demonstrates his products with AVA gear, and Jim stated that the AVA DAC "really shines." Although I am a loyal AVA customer and recommend AVA gear without any reservation, the bargain shopper should note that the PS Audio III DAC is on clearance for $700.00 brand new from the factory. Again, while I haven't heard the Music Hall DAC, I think that I would scrape up the additional $200.00 and get the PS Audio DAC, based upon others' reviews.
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All transport don't sound alike and digital cables make a big difference in sound Don't kid yourself about that a a good transport is just as important as the dac
ED
I never said they all sound alike. I said they WILL sound alike if you run them through a DAC (the same DAC). In that case, any transport will do since it is being run through the DAC. Please re-read what I posted. ;)
The problem is, I don't believe that's true, I can hear a difference between my opera consonsance cdp and my Onix cdp when they are both hooked up to my northstar dac but that just might be me. Ive heard it several times at raves
ED
I'd bet you couldn't tell which was which under double blind/bias controlled level match tests. ;) Seriously, lets create a new thread if we're going to continue this debate.
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I heard the Music Hall dac at Shadowlights mini rave a couple of weeks ago most of us agreed it was better than Levis PS audio dac and cheaper I thought it sounded good for the money.
You heard it at a rave? And you heard a difference under those conditions? Uh uh... :roll:
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NO debates, useless to have any discussion on transports or cables, not interested at all in discussing if anybody thinks they make a difference to a system
Ed
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Okay then. lol. :lol:
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One option is an Oppo DV-980H ($170) and let Ric Shultz at Tweakaudio.com mod it ($450 and up).
Another option is an Oppo DV-980H with a Behringer DEQ2496 and let Shultz or Scott Endler at mysite.verizon.net/vze4c5pt mod the Behringer ($245 - 475). This would add room/speaker EQ.
Or just get the Oppo DV-980H and add a DAC later on if you feel the need.
I'm "slumming" with an old 970 (actually am most impressed for the price) and found that adding a 2x8x16 concrete paver on top with a towel inbetween does wonders for it (have never been a believer that feet/weights/platforms/racks helped the sound). I'll be trying 1/2 inch birch with and without thin foam for a more professional solution.
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To me, it seems like a waste of time not to get at least a decent DAC, i.e. under 1K, even if it means waiting a while or putting it on a cc. I'd personally pair it with a 100-250 CD changer. (Though I'm not so sure about the reliability of the multi-changers.)
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Anyone have any experience with the Cambridge Audio DV89, has all the same features of the Oppo, minus the 1080p. I think any SQ difference would be negligible, but it can be had new for around the same price as the Oppo, just an option as I move toward the DAC.
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FYI,
My gut feel reading the forums is that the BD 83 is 2 weeks or so away from going retail...
Alex
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Anyone have any experience with the Cambridge Audio DV89, has all the same features of the Oppo, minus the 1080p. I think any SQ difference would be negligible, but it can be had new for around the same price as the Oppo, just an option as I move toward the DAC.
I've got the Cambridge DVD99, bought it for $299, and I think it's quite good.
It feels reasonably solid and has DVD-A (which is appreciated), SACD capabilities & 1080p video.
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=CADV99
I have not heard a truly bad CD/DVD player made in the past 4 years...they are now pretty much uniformly good at very low prices across the board (my opinion only, of course). I have a ~ 3 year old $59 COBY player that sounds good, too....much better than my Pioneer DV-656 circa 2002 or so.
John