[Jay S]

Jerry,

About attaining the same sound with less money... I hear you!!  I have been on that track for the last couple of months.  I am also after simplicity.  

I sold my Cary 303 cd player ($3k list), which I was using just as a transport for cd's.  My Toshiba dvd player (which I paid under $300 for over 4 years ago) is now my transport.  It surely did not sound as good as my Cary!  BUT the addition of a Bolder Cable Nitro power cord for the Toshiba (and also for my Joule tube pre amp), as well as a sheet of ERS, have narrowed the gap so much that I still find my system very enjoyable!  I still have money in my pocket from selling the Cary.  

My next step is likely to replace the Tosh dvd player with an EVS-modded Philips 963sa sacd/dvd player.  While this will surely be more expensive than my Toshiba (which I will move to my bedroom - no dvd player there right now), it may allow me to simplify my system AND raise money by selling my 2 DACs, bybee'd digital cable, bybee'd DAC power supply AND let me listen to the SACD layer of the hybrid SACDs that I have bought (but never been able to play).  If the modded 963sa doesn't sound better than the DACs it will certainly be a better transport than the Toshiba, and I will likely be able to sell 1 of the 2 dacs (whichever sounds like the 963sa).

Enjoy the journey!

[dayneger]

Jerry,

If you're not psyched about the challenges of making your own AKSA, maybe someone would make one for you.  

First--if you have some knowledge of electronic basics it's really not too difficult to make yourself.  The feeling of listening to something that sounds incredible (which the AKSAs do) that you put together with your own hands is very rewarding to say the least, and adds an additional element that things bought out of the box can't replicate.  Maybe it'll give that pinnacle a new dimension?

If this isn't appealing or viable, there are probably a number of DIYers who'd like to build one just for the fun of it.

My ressources are not up for grabs, however, since I'm about to Nirvana my 100W and my GK-1R preamp kit just arrived. . .  

Cheers,

Dayne

[Anton K.]

Jerry,

 My next step is likely to replace the Tosh dvd player with an EVS-modded Philips 963sa sacd/dvd player. While this will surely be more expensive than my Toshiba (which I will move to my bedroom - no dvd player there right now), it may allow me to simplify my system AND raise money by selling my 2 DACs, bybee'd digital cable, bybee'd DAC power supply AND let me listen to the SACD layer of the hybrid SACDs that I have bought (but never been able to play). If the modded 963sa doesn't sound better than the DACs it will certainly be a better transport than the Toshiba, and I will likely be able to sell 1 of the 2 dacs (whichever sounds like the 963sa).

Jay, do you really think that modded 963sa will outperform or be close to these "cult" DAC-s?
Please do not forget to report your impressions to us!

[audiojerry]

Building an AKSA is in my long range plans, but it's something I'd like to do collaboratively with my son. Right now he's to focusing his energies on his Senior Project and getting his Computer Engineer degree.

[dayneger]

Talk about misplaced priorities!  

Kids just aren't what they used to be--or what they're yet to become.  Like their parents.