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Help CDP over vinyl upgrade advice please

The last few years I have been keen on vinyl, as I found even my mid-level TT (Denon 62L with DL103R) to better the sound I get from my CDP and most CD material. I'm using two systems- switched at will from several sources. One system is Altec 604D drivers in vintage teakwood cabinets pushed by 300B SET. The other is smaller Dynaudio monitors driven by EL34 push-pull. Subwoofer used mostly with the Altecs.

I find the vinyl rig to outshine my trusty old Sony X7esd cdp and would like to know if a suitable upgrade to close the gap is available. I also use a Sony sacd rig- the sa-333 I think it is- it is quite improved in sacd format- but can't redbook quality be better? Main advancements desired are better dynamics , also a more 'live and dimensional' sound. My main beef with most cd's is a lack of interest. I put them on and then lose interest ;-)

Looking to spend under $1200-1500 either used or new to get results. Hoping for a quantum leap forward, otherwise I'll probably stay on the vinyl trail.

Have I bumped into the old cd vs vinyl differences? or can a better CDP be attained with todays tech improvements?

CDP must be front loader not top. Any thoughts on the tubed CDP's currently available?

Thanks for your help...
128x128rwbadley
moemoney's avatar
moemoney
146 posts
 
All I can say is I’m looking for the same thing, and I’m slowly realizing that there is no such animal, or you will have to spend a lot more for a CD player and even then they still sound compress and cold next to a properly setup turn table. I already have a tube CD player and a good one IMHO and the turn table is CLEARLY more smoother, open and more detail etc. than the CD player. Just my 2 cents. I wish you luck.
winoguy17
592 posts
 
Look for a used Audio Aero Prima. Should be right in your price range. Its a tubed unit that (I feel) leans toward a more analog presentation, detailed but not "digital"
lwood
61 posts
 
Any DIY capabilities? If so, then you can mod many. I would suggest a good transport and then go for a DAC. Many are hot for the Cambridge Audio 840. I like the Eastern Electric MiniMax CDP with tube output; I also use the Arcam CD73, which you can usually find used for $400-you could give the Arcam a try and see if it improves over your Sony for starters, and if not, sell it without a $$$ loss.
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
Look into REGA players, they might sound the way you desire.
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