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Most musical player or DAC?

Forgive up front if there is other(s) threads on this. Thanks in advance for posting links if you know of them. I'm looking for a "musical" CD player or DAC. I've been through 4 cd players so far, they were all nice in some respects, but none have really grabbed me by the heartstrings (or lapels) and stopped me in my tracks with musicality. Don't know if I should be looking for a tubed variety or not. All I know is I want something that moves me. A very 3D soundstage, unbelievable midrange, good extension at the extremes. I would rather have romantic over detailed and analytical, but transparency and a sense of air would I think be also in the mix. Nothing laid back either, I want something that engages.

My listening tastes are rock, Soul, acoustic w/vocals (male/female), blues, R&B, a bit of electronica.

Any thoughts and experiences are appreciated.
tholt
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Tholt, you will hear a significant difference with the Ref 9V2SE. If you don't...well, then I'll know a little more about you.

You can audition them essentially for the cost of shipping if you go through the NuForce demo program.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Regarding a DAC, you might consider a MHDT Labs Paradisea+ or Havana DAC to run with either of your CD players.

I thought the Paradisea+ was very musical, and I used it with a c.1992 Sony CD changer.
robertbrown
151 posts
 
http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/srch_fs.pl
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Robertbrown, try pasting your link to see where it leads.

Is it what you intended?
tholt OP
545 posts
 
Robertbrown your reply is very zen. Perhaps I need to 'search' for the answer. Tvad -- I should clarify, if it means anything to you, that my amps are technically 8.02, which Jason @ Nuforce has said over the 8 "The .02 version added a) overheat protection b) adjustment for more dynamic."
Whatever that means.
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