2. digital
  3. 1039458326

Downgrading Help

OK, so I have come to realize that I cannot afford to keep neither high end CD player I own, mostly because a lot of that cash came from credit.

I picked up the Philips SACD1000 player as my replacement for a digital front end. Last night, comparing the Philips to the Wadia 860x I currently own (not for long!), was truly tough for me. The Wadia is just so much better on redbook CD (the Philips I thought was better on SACD vs. the Wadia on CD).

I don't have much $$ to spend ($600) on an improvement: here are my options:

1) get the Philips player modded somewhere; which mods though, and will this really give me an increase in detail (blackness?), dynamics, soundstage depth, and naturalness?

2) get a DAC?

3) wait until I get some more cash, and get a better DAC or more mods later?

I'd prefer to make this player work, rather than getting another seperate CD player....

Thx
128x128dennis_the_menace
zaikesman
3,017 posts
 
DTM, I'm wondering what you mean when you say the BAT is "better" than the Wadia, even though you prefer the Wadia? Guess it doesn't really matter if you can't keep either though. Sorry for what you're going through - sometimes ignorance can be bliss!
dennis_the_menace's avatar
dennis_the_menace OP
467 posts
 
oops... what i meant to say, is that the BAT is better than the Philips, but the Wadia is better than the BAT. For my ears, there is something REALLY special about the Wadia.

Got more of that sinking feeling tonight from more auditioning. I don't know what it is. I don't know how to describe what I'm hearing. Something happens inside when I listen to the Wadia... like an emotional connection, or involvement. ugh... I had no idea it would be this apparent to me.

Ah, what I wouldn't do for a little ignorace right now.
glen's avatar
glen
714 posts
 
Dennis,

Let's say for one minute that your whole redbook collection was magically transformed into SACD format. How would you feel about the Philips then compared to the Wadia and BAT player? (Assuming all three players could play every disc in your collection of course).

By the way, what are you cabling with on the Philips and are you using all six analog outputs yet?
dennis_the_menace's avatar
dennis_the_menace OP
467 posts
 
Hey Glen,

If I could transform my CD collection into SACD, I think I'd be very happy. The SACD playback was great; very involving, and musical. But have you seen the current SACD titles list? I counted 6 titles I would want...

I'm using BearLabs silver lightning cabling, and am just using the stereo outputs. I don't have a HT setup, just a two-channel system.
glen's avatar
glen
714 posts
 
Dennis,

I've been browsing the SACD market for a few days now and I see a few good ones (at least thirty). The trick is not to panic. It took DVD'S a while to get rolling. Remember this is an investment in the future.

I've read a lot of favorable reviews, and I see a small used market starting to take off. It can only get better with time.

Start by buying those six titles you liked. I don't think you've seen the whole list. Try going to Sony's web site it may surprise you.
More to discover