1. Home
  2. digital
  3. 1007015505

Replace Cambridge Audio D500 or add DAC?

I have $1000-$1500 to upgrade my system, and one of the components I'm considering to upgrade is my CD Player. Currently I have a Cambridge Audio D500, Audio Refinement Complete Amp, and Monitor Audio 5i speakers. I'm using Transparent Audio Music Link SuperXL RCA interconnect, Transparent Audio MusicWave speaker cables, and stock power cords. I'm looking for a little more detail, more airy sound, and better seperation/distinction between instruments. I'm wondering whether adding an upgraded power cord and the Cambridge Audio S700 DAC would give me these qualities, and would it give me approximately the same sound quality as a $1000-$1500 CD Player.

Thanks,
Gil
poor_airman
natalie
404 posts
 
The same Money spent on a good DAC will do REDBOOK way better than the Sony will ever dream of.If you want SACD DVD at the expense of REDBOOK then go for it.If its a REDBOOK player your after stear clear of the SONY even with MODS.
tbadder
103 posts
 
Get a DAC. Easier to upgrade in the future. If you need air and detail get an EVS, if you need liquidity and musicality get a Bel Canto 1.1. Don't go for just the Bel C 1.0 however.
photon46
1,008 posts
 
Gil, I faced the same question with my Cambridge cd4se. I purchased one of Sonic Frontiers Assemblage 2.7 platinum dacs ($1298.00) and have been very satisfied with the upgrade. It took the player to an entirely different level of refinement. Good luck, Will.
sean
6,229 posts
 
Natalie, i have to wonder what would make you state the comments that you did ? Are speaking from experience after using a modified Sony, know others that have gone that route, etc ??? If so, who performed the mods and what did they consist of ? I've been told by several well respected folks in the industry that this is a VERY viable alternative, especially given the prices that one can now snag the Sony's at. Just curious.... Sean
>
rgd
656 posts
 
Sean - I am also interested in Natalie's source of info. My 333ES is in for mods and the only other Canadian that I know of that has either expressed a desire or stated that he is having his sacd player modded is Lorne Cherry (who has the new XA777) and his mods will be much more extensive than mine. While it is common knowledge that we "Canucks" are a quiet breed I can't see Canadian posters here who own sacd players not either discussing potential mods or canvassing opinions from those members here that have had the mods done on their gear such as I did. Can't remember seeing anything from a Canuck owner of a sacd player, other than Lorne...

So Natalie, whose modded unit have you listened to generate that statement????
More to discover