[Rafal]

Hi All,

I am currently running Musical fidelity CDPre24 and I like the fact that it's really a good CD played , and analog preamp and DAC. I like it because of good sound quality and convienience (I can connect my laptop to this unit via Toslink cable). I thought of upgrading it but the closest thing in the features seems to be Linn Unidisc SC. I have also heard Linn CD players in the past and they are very musical (like Ikemi or Genki). Does anyone have any expierience with the Unidisc SC or can you recommend someting that would be a good step up from my current unit while maintaining the functionality?

Thanks,

Rafal

[pbrstreetgang]

I have heard it and its a great CD player but at this point in the game I cant justify a high end CD player. I went HD stored music and a Sonos, I have never listened more or longer- ever. No its not on par with what your looking at but its close enough for me. IMO I would keep what you have. Another option is to get a good DAC and a cheaper universal for any SACD you have. I dont use SACD or DVD music so redbook ripped lossless to DAC to the Sonos is what is right for me. If I had to get a redbook player for some reason it would probably be a Rega or Linn lower end model.

[TerryO]

This may not be what you're looking for but,I offer it as an alternative opinion. The Linn is a very good unit, but...it is spendy.
So I'll just paste in a reply I posted on another forum just today:

I'm reluctant to suggest this as I'm sure that I'll be castigated for being an Audio Putz, but my vast experience as a Cheapophile may be of some value, if for nothing else than to give another perspective.

My advice would be to get an inexpensive DVD player ($60-150) with the latest chipset. The advances in technology make even a player a couple of years old somewhat obsolete. Instead of upgrading an existing player, it is cheaper, IMHO, to just replace a DVD player from time to time when new electronics are available. You can then place the old player (now 6 to 12 months old) in your video set-up. Build quality wouldn't be as nice, but you shouldn't experience any mechanical failure in the brief timespan involved. Not all budget DVD players have great sonics, but they're out there, and shouldn't be too hard to figure out which ones are worthwhile. As a bonus, most DVD players will play just about any format except SACD, and that's probably no big loss, as it may be on the way out anyhow.

Another solution might be one of the HD wireless setups that seem to be catching on. These sound pretty good and the price of High Capacity HD's is to the point that the various compression formats aren't really necessary. Many use these and love them. I haven't heard many (any?) complaints as far as the sonics go. A lot of info on these can be found on forums like www.diyaudio.com, as well as others.

Before the Booing starts, I hope some of this may be helpful.

Best Regards,
TerryO

[Rafal]

Thanks guys,

pbrstreetgang!

What I like about the Unidisc SC is that it also is an analog and digital pre-amp which means that I could hook up my laptop to it with HD stored files and have the best of both worlds. The price is quiet step though, but maybe if I sell my MF and get a used Linn...?

TerryO,

I thought of the HD system and currently have a MacBook with externalHD connected to my MF via optical toslink cable.That way I'm using the DAC in MF. I just think that the actual CD still sounds a bit better and I'm after as good a playback as I can get.

Cheers,

R.

[pbrstreetgang]

Good advice Terry, i think we are of similar opinions. Rafal, i agree you have a hell of a CD player. From my findings Toslink doesnt sound as good as the coax even on the same source. My DAC has the ability to switch and the Coax wins every time even with pretty cheap coax compared to the better Toslinks. I actually am using the digital volume control on the Sonos so I have replaced the need for a PRE though for fairness to the music and to not lead any audiophiles astray I plan to evaluate some good PREs to see if the difference is worth it. Im not going to opine on that virtue of the HD based system till I have given a pre an honest shot but I do like the idea of 1 less component and doing digital volume control.

One last thing, I think there is tons of potential for different HD based systems but I dont feel its up to the level of very good CD players yet- maybe 90-95% of the better players. I feel they have the potential to be better for various reasons such as no read errors. So final say is at the level of player you have- the player is better, at the more real world <2000 there are very few players that are clearly better.

[TerryO]

I have to agree about the Toslink vs. Coax comparison and I've never heard anyone involved in the communications industry that disagreed.
Great potential, poor results. I'd try coax.

Best Regards,
TerryO

[Rafal]

Thanks guys.

Maybe I'll first try a Usb to spdif converter and then play around with some stand alone dacs. Any recommendations re. the dacs?

Cheers,

Rafal

[pbrstreetgang]

I use the GR Research tube DAc that easily replaced a Benchmark

[Rafal]

I use the GR Research tube DAc that easily replaced a Benchmark

Can you elaborate? What are it's strengths / weaknesses?

R.

[pbrstreetgang]

Sure, the GR added a dimension of warmth and musicality that the Benchmark didnt provide me. The Benchmark had the edge in absolute detail and low noise floor but the GR makes up for it in organicness and 3d presentation. The details arent that far behind as the 6922 tubes are articulate and the GR betters the Benchmark in bass. Benchmark has neat features it just was not a very musical piece to me.