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Help with next CDP upgrade...

I have pretty much decided that I am not going to go the SACD route since I already have so many CDs and no SACDs at all. I have some LPs and I have a TT that I am happy with. Ok, my current CDP is a Pioneer transport, heavily modded by Modwright, modded way back when they were modding Pioneers, and from the Pioneer transport, I have a Cardas digital cable going to a Bel Canto DAC 1.1. I really like the DAC, so I think I will keep that. HOwever, I modded the CDP when I was starting with my system and the rest of the components weren't much. Now most everything else I have is head and shoulders above the Pioneer which makes my Pioneer source the weakest link in the chain, I think.

What is the next logical upgrade? What transport can I get that will surpass a heavily modded Pioneer CDP? Is buying another CDP and modding that the way to go? I want to go better but I don't want to break the bank.

Thanks in advance..
matchstikman
quackfat's avatar
quackfat
25 posts
 
so what's the budget?
matchstikman OP
205 posts
 
???, don't know.
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
I have heard your Bel Canto at my local dealer...and its a pretty impressive unit...not sure exactly what changes/improvements you are looking for...sounds like you have roughly $1650 invested in your digital front end which is a tidy sum...the above mentioned idea to go to a single box seems to be a good one based on simplicity alone...however the upgrade may prove marginal after monkeying with selling your current gear,etc...tough decision...I would personally see if you could do a home demo with a high end single box unit...and based on that comparison...make a decision to see if upgrading would be beneficial...there are many who could offer suggestions on makes/models...you already appreciate good sound...and it may seem strange to offer a suggestion from a product i have not had the pleasure of hearing....but Meridian cdps are legendary for their cd playback...anyway...hopes this helps and sorry for rambling...happy 4th
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