2. digital
  3. 1342808054

Upgrade CD player or get into LPs? Suggestions

Folks

I've now enjoyed my system for about 2 years now, and starting to think about upgrading or adding to it. Any thoughts of what I should do to increase my listening experience?

Should I upgrade my CDP? Or, change my entire experience by getting into LPs? If upgrade, any CDP suggestions that is below $5k (new)? If LPs, what are the beginners+ TT to consider (one added plus is that my current preamp handles phono)?? Thoughts?

Thanks,

Current system:
Cary 303/100 CD player
Audible Illusions 3A preamp
BAT 75SE
Dali 800 MKII
Synergistic Research Galileo speaker cells
BASIK strings I/Cs
broken
needfreestuff's avatar
needfreestuff
386 posts
 
Cd's have an ease of operation that is quite addictive and have improved considerably but vinyl plays music from the heart something cd's still need to improve on.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
3,018 posts
 
If you want to get into vinyl, you must decide if u want that kind of commitment. TT's need TLC, LPs need to be cleaned and cared for and it takes time and research to get the proper match of the table, cart, tonearm, and phonostage.
If serious, try and visit a local hifi shop and get a hands-on demo.
BTW, I love having vinyl in my system, but it definitely requires some effort.
edorr
714 posts
 
You are regressin on the technology curve. Forget vinyl and get into computer audio. Saves you a lot of trips to the turntable, and no restrictions on available content (which is the most important thing at the end of the day). Sounds pretty damn good if you get the right hardware/software to boot. Just my 2c.
stereodad
29 posts
 
I owned 303/100 for about ten years and I just purchased B stock marantz sa-11s2 cdp for 1900 from Music Derict with a 30 day return policy.This is a discontinued model that listed for around 3600,it looks perfect and is nice upgrade from the cary.
About 6 months ago bought a music hall 5.1se tt and more recently a Ray Samuels Nighthawk phono stage and I'm loven vinyl.I feel I am set on cdp but I'm already thinking about upgrading my table.
Maybe you can do both
richardfinegold
196 posts
 
Do it all.
I would buy a budget turntable to dip into vinyl. Vinyl is a new paradigm for you, and there are software issues (you may not be able to find playable lps of the music that you want to listen to). An entry level Rega or Pro-Jett, or Thorens table can be had for a few hundred, and remember to budget for a phono pre amp. If you get into vinyl then upgrade in the future.
With the remaining funds I would by a CDP with good digital inputs so that you can branch into computer audio. Basically you would look for a good DAC that also spins CDs.
More to discover