[BobC]

My next purchase will likely be a new pre-amp (probably the Odyssey Candela), but that's not my question.  I'm wondering about my front end.

Current setup is Arcam DV78 > Rotel RSP 1066 > Odyssey Mono Extremes > Martin Logan Ascent i's.  I also have an old but good condition Rotel 5 disc carousel.

I want to move to a dedicated 2ch system, i.e. 2ch pre with HT passthrough and a dedicated CDP (not a DVD player).  Budget is $1000.

 FYI, I plan to also hook up a comuter in the future (get a SB3 or DAC for laptop), but right now I need to spin the discs.  What would you wise people recommend for a front end?

1.  Keep the Rotel 5 disc carousel as a transport and buy a DAC (like the Lite 60)?  Pros: use existing asset and can use the DAC in the future with a computer.  Cons: not sure if a carousel would make a good transport.

2.  Sell the Rotel (may get $100) and buy a dedicated CDP (like the Rega Apollo)?   Pros: believe I'd get a great CD player and don't commit to a fast evolving technology (DAC's).  Cons: Only postpone a future computer based audio solution.

Regardless I'll always want the ability to play my large collection of CD's with "high fidelity".

Which do you think would sound the best?  Would the carousel make a crappy transport and offset the benefits of a good DAC?  Any suggestions are appreciated.   

Thanks! Bob

 

[Bob Reynolds]

I thought the Arcam DVD players made excellent CD players, at least that's what reviews in The Perfect Vision always stated. I doubt that a $1000 DAC or CDP will be obviously better.

You don't list a subwoofer, so I'd spend the money on a ML subwoofer like the Grotto. You're guaranteed to get an appreciable improvement that way.

[BrassEar]

The Rotel is not only a fine transport, it is also a fine CD player.

If you really want to improve things:

1. experiment with the placement of the Logans.
2. experiment with room treatments.
3. Add a sub as was already suggested.

Otherwise you are chasing your audiophile tail.

[BobC]

The Arcam DV78 is a fine CD player (far better than my Rotel in my opinion), but I'm probably not going to have the "theater" equipment in the same rack.  Specifically, I'd like to place the 2ch stuff in the center and have the theather stuff off to the side so I can make a video cable run to my front projector.

I do have a 12" Velodyne which I may try to incorporate into 2ch with a 2ch sub cross-over in the future.  Right now it's running through the Rotel RSP 1066.

So the Rotel carousel would make a good transport?  I thought carousels as a general rule had more jitter, no?

That would be great if I could pair the carousel with a DAC and get nice results.  Only way to know is to try I guess, but really hate to buy and return things.

Anyone else use a 5cd carousel as a transport?  Can anyone tell me why it would or would not make a good transport?

Thanks!

[2 channel man]

Easy take one half spend it on booze and dirty girls and then blow the other half aa

[JLM]

The Altman Attraction DAC is supposed to be jitter resistant.  If you can tolerate battery power it supposed to be absolute killer and cost $1000.  See thread in digital circle.

BTW Decware was modding a Sony carousel.  Typically the build quality of carousels is lower and the disk won't align as well to the laser.

I'd like to find out who makes a good quality, well built, long lasting transport too.  And like you said, no point in spending too much with PC audio coming (here), so it'll probably be the last one I buy.

[Soundbitten]

How addicted are you to the convenience of a changer ?  If so , go the dac route . I use one with my changer and am very happy with it .

[warnerwh]

You can buy and sell used dacs from Audiogon all you want without losing anything. Using your player as a transport would be what I'd do. Then you can try different dacs at will.

As the above posters stated a sub may be a good idea. Your first and foremost priority if it hasn't been done already regards your room acoustics.

The acoustics will have as much of an improvement as upgrading speakers. At minimum it will allow your system to perform more to it's potential. This is very obvious. The performance increase per dollar is excellent. If you've already done as much with your room as you can then disregard. If not go the Acoustics Circle and read! This will improve your system more than anything if it's not already in place.

[BobC]

My current room is set up pretty well.  However we'll likely move within the next year, so the new house / room will become a point of focus.

I'm glad to hear that others are having success with their changers as a transport.  I'm just reacting to a general notion that I have developed (for an unknown reason) that changers don't make good transports and that a good DAC won't be able to perform as well as it can with a single, i.e. would hate to buy a DAC and notice no improvement because of the transport.

I think I'll keep the carousel and pick up a used or good value DAC.  I can always sell the DAC for minimal loss if buy used....or can use with my computer as mentioned earlier.

So my shortlist.....Lite 60 with Sonic craft mods, Scott Nixon...perhaps something from RWA?  Would like the tubes (been told that Logans like tubes) but not a requirement.  Maybe the Benchmark?  An earlier post mentioned the Altmann (isn't that a kit?) Any other suggestions?

Thanks everyone for the input!   

[warnerwh]

The truth about transports is that the dac is the most important part. A dvd player can make an excellent transport. I use a Sony Dvpnc 555es changer and it works great. I like using a changer better too.

You may also want to try a Bel Canto dac. I'm using a 1.1 and see no real good reason to replace it. Bel Canto Dac 2's are down to 650 on Agon these days. Many people thought they sounded like the Wadia. In either case they're well liked by many and on the used market are excellent.

[nonoise]

Bob:

If you can go the 16 bit, no over/upsampling, digital filters or opamps route, I think you'll be happy. I went that way with a Consonance CD-120 Linear after using my Rotel RCD-971 and the difference was more than easily heard. In fact, it was a BIG step up in resolution, life, detail, and anything else one can attribute to the effects a CDP can have on sound. Clearly in a different league. The only problem I've had was an uncooperative drawer mechanism that got worse (yes, it does happen), resulting in sending it in, under warranty, for service. Having my old Rotel handy, I re-inserted it and the sound just went flat and became lifeless and univolving. Can't wait to get the Consonance back as I have no real urge to listen. Either a new CDP or DAC should make you very happy.

Regards,
Tim