2. digital
  3. 1040652057

Virtually lost, a minimalist cries out for "help."

I'd like to go cdp direct to amp, but am stymied. Audio Aero Capitole seems to have chip problems (and several have commented upon build quality, as well). Accuphase has digital attenutation which, reputedly, lessens bits to effect volume change--sound degradation may be a consequence?
It seems I've hit a deadend.
When I consider passive devices, i.e. Silver Rock or Bent Audio, the Accuphase digital attenuation is then an unnecessary superfluity. The other cdp I'd consider (w/no volume adjustment), the EMC 1, favors balanced ics, I've read, and I'm not willing to go there.
Am I missing some other great cdps out there w/analog volume control, single-ended friendly, and high build quality? (I'm getting a big headache from butting my head against this virtual wall...)
128x128jayme
twl
3,251 posts
 
Bent Audio.
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,699 posts
 
I second whatjd's comments concerning going direct. The sonics of the few cd players (Audio Aero, Wadia, Old Philips CD-80) I tried that would go dirct sounded better going thru my CJ premier 16ls II.

Chuck
tireguy
1,964 posts
 
Chuck- that's very interesting I tried a capitole MkI direct and through a cj art series I and it sounded VERY veiled through the art and much more resolving running direct, I suppose everyone has different synergy in there system. Moral of the story is try it in your system to make sure it will work for you.
karls
332 posts
 
Have to throw in my 2c. Having owned several Wadias and an Audio Aero, they are all excellent players. Do not get hung up on the digital attenuation of the Wadia system, it is not an issue in the real world if you adjust the player's max output level to correspond to your typical listening volume (not a difficult thing to do, but requires removing the top cover). Also, do not get hung up on the build issues of the AA, granted it's not in Wadia's league but it's certainly good enough. Like Tireguy said, afaik the chip problems were on the very first units and anything from the MkI 24/192 onward should be fine. As far as preamps go, IMO they are only needed if the output stage in the cdp is not up to snuff, and both Wadia and AA have very good output stages. After having seen a lot of these threads, the people who prefer a preamp over direct are almost always using a tube preamp (I can't think of a single instance otherwise), which tells me that they prefer the added colorations (warmth, ambience, etc.). It all depends on what you like. If your tastes lean this way, use an AA direct, you will not be disappointed.
esoxhntr
196 posts
 
What about a Levinson 39? Combines the 37 transport, and a 36 DAC (sort of). A fine player by all accoiunts, and has volume control. I also second the motion on an Audiomeca Mephisto II player. Some decent deals on them lately, and nice sounding units they are. Severely underrated - though you'll need a pre amp with one of them.

Happy hunting,

George
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