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CD - upgrade, replace used, buy new?

After years of non-listening, I have upgraded my system and need to take the last step. System now consists of CJ MV-60 amp, McCormack TLC and Superfon/Stan Warren modified SP-100 (buffered line stage), Shearwaters, and old Pioneer PD-93 Elite CD player. This player was their top of line machine -- $2000, dual power supplies, dual Burr Brown PCM-63 DACs. I have listened to some of the new Rotels, Creek, Sonys, Rega Planet 2000. I must admit I am at a loss. The Pioneer side by side with a Sony DVP NS300 is a hard call. The Sony appears more forward and open on top (or is it brighter) but has no warmth, bass or depth compared to the Pioneer. The Pioneer is warm and musical. Let's set the budget at 2 levels 600 and 1000. I am also willing to trade or sell the Pioneer. Let the games begin. Many thanks.
cellorover
outlier's avatar
outlier
381 posts
 
I haven't used the PD-93, but I own the DV-09 which supposedly retailed at around $2,200. I found the CD playback adequate. I then upgraded to MSB Link Dac III for CD playback and found improvement but nothing to write home about. Then I got a YBA CD1 and CD playback is unambigbously superior. Were I to take a DAC route, I think the best bang for your buck would be the EVS Millenium II DAC at about $1k. I think it would trounce any other DAC at the price, and this DAC is so hot now that were you not happy with it you could sell it for practically what you bought it for. Good luck,
John.
dopogue
1,767 posts
 
Totally self-serving, of course, but you might want to check out my Audiogon listing for a Musical Concepts-modified Pioneer DV-4l4. As noted, it blew away my then-player, a CJ tubed DAC and transport combo (cost me $3600). I've been running it through CJ Premier l4 and Premier l2s, so it's no lightweight, sonically. Cheers, Dave
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
The DAC chip in your CD player PCM63 is one of the finest DAC chips ever produced. It is 20bit but will hold its own against 24bit chips. You could always talk to Stan Warren about your player; whether is it worth upgrading. He is always helpful. Stan will not sell you anything; just give you his unbiased opinion.
joe_b
421 posts
 
Couple of comments on what's above.
The Aiwa XC37M cd changer is discontinued. You may be able to find some closeouts somewhere. You should also check with Stan Warren to make sure he is still modifying them.
It is a very good cd transport for its low cost, but must be modified by Stan Warren to reach its full potential. It is a bit more refined than a Cal Delta (I have owned a Delta and currently own the modified Aiwa).
I would think you would have to get the MSB modified and pair it with a modified Aiwa to achieve the magic mentioned above. I have tried a stock MSB Link I (with no upgrades) and found it to be light in the bass and lean in the midrange compared to a Micromega Duo BS2.
buckingham
333 posts
 
Hey, I have the EAD U2000. I picked it up for 1000 and it just killed the Musical Fidelity A3 CD player that I had before it. RE Marakanetz's comments about the DSP7000, you'd probably be very happy with the sound of this DAC. But like the others said, the EVS has the newest stuff for cheap. I would get the EVS, keep the Pioneer.
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