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Looking for a better CD changer

I am coming to the realization that a brightness problem (with accompanying listener fatigue) I've been wrestling with in my system is a source problem. My CD player has been a Denon DCM370 changer, which has been very dependable, but improved speakers and cables are revealing its shortcomings. My amp is an Arcam Alpha 8R integrated.

My personal preference is a CD changer rather than a single player (yes, I understand this is not the "best" source). Like many other audio hobbyists, I don't have a ton of money to spend. Suggestions from anybody on an upgrade would be appreciated.
salby6
sufentanil's avatar
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sufentanil
776 posts
 
Hi,

You might consider connecting your changer to an external DAC such as one from California Audio Labs or Bel Canto ($400-$500 range used). You will experience a significant improvement in performance; I did exactly that with an only Sony ES changer when I hooked it up to a California Audio Labs Alpha DAC.

For a one-box solution, the California Audio Labs CL-10 is frequently tossed around as one of the better one-box changers for Redbook. Expect to pay somewhere around $700-$800 used. Or, you might consider one of the newer Sony ES changers (SCD-333ES and SCD-555ES, I believe) that can also accommodate SACD.

I hope that helps a little.

Michael
aball
1,994 posts
 
A DAC is a good solution if you want a CD changer and have the money. That way you get many more options. For now, I stick with the Sony ES changers and love them. Amazing quality sound for the price and no DAC is really needed. I found the 222ES better than a Denon I auditioned (unfortunately I don't remember the model) and the Denon was a good bit more expensive. So give Sony a try, like the 222 or 555. 333 is only 2 channel and the others are 5 channel. Good luck! Arthur
kotta's avatar
kotta
638 posts
 
Since you own an Arcam int. amp perhaps an Arcam multi-play CD player(I believe they were called "MCD.") Visually they would match and probably it would sound better than the Denon. Another possibility would be an Adcom GCD-600/700 and then adding a seperate DAC at a later point when funds permit. Owned the Adcom GCD-600 a few years back it functioned flawlessly the time I owned it. (At the store they had the Adcom 600 DAC which could be switched in/out w/the player and it sounded a whole lot better w/the DAC. CAL audio would also be an excellent choice if you have enough funds. Perhaps you should consider just adding a DAC at the moment(since you're pleased w/ the Denon's function and reliability) and then seeing how things sound. If your're not satisfied w/ your purchace (used DAC) you'll lose very little in resale I would think. Also, your interconnect choice has a significant influence on the sound. Good Luck and do some research. Bill
jrde8a6
95 posts
 
the mac mcd 205..the best.
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