Embarking on a trip to 2 channel nirvana

[JohanK]

Hi all. I'm in the process (well, the beginning of the process actually) of putting together a solid state 2 channel setup at a reasonable (to me) price. So far, I have a Bryston 3B-ST amp and an Adcom GTP500II analog preamp. I will be using an active crossover to high pass the frequencies going to the Bryston and to lowpass the frequencies going to the sub amp.

Speakers will be DIY (Vifa tweet w/ Audax woofer along with DIY sealed box sub). These may take me awhile to build but I am looking forward to the learning experience and the ability to say " I built them myself" (not to mention the $$$ savings).

My question concerns the CD player. I am not interested in 24/96 discs at this time; only standard 16/44.1. Then, I'm looking for a CD player around $500 (or less) that has good internal DACs. So far, my short list is composed of the Rotel RCD 951 and 971 and the Parasound CDP1000 (B-stock at www.audioadvisor.com for $250). Does anyone have experience/opinions with these players? Any other players you can recommend/suggest in my price range? Thanx.

[John Holmes]

JohanK,
I saw those units and had the same question. Since being educated a few weeks ago by Mike Knapp my interest in 2ch music has increased.

[Lexman]

Johan, I would make one suggestion. For 500 bucks, I am not sure you can do much better than a used Sony S7000 CD/DVD player. That's what I use as my dedicated CD transport now, and honestly, I love it. I think my system images well, gives me fantastic detail, and of course, the Sony is an integral part of that. I say you could pick up a used one for 3-400 bucks. Keep in mind, this machine has duel optics. So, it has dedicated CD optics. Also will play CD-Rs, unlike many DVD players, my Toshiba for example.

So, there is something slightly different for you to consider. Has decent DACs if you want to run analog.

goodluck,

Lex

[Tom R S 4]

Johan,

Like Lexman, I'm using my S7000 as a transport for CDs. The sound of the S7000's DAC is nice (though not as nice as the DAC in my pre/pro - but then for a DAC board that cost more than an entire S7000 new I'd hope so), and may be an excellent player in the $500 dollar range. I just want to caution you that, being a DVD player, it's not ideally set up for use as a CD player - that is if you want to do CD shenanigans like repeat and programed play it's a pain, especially with the TV off.

If you're not concerned about ease of programability or repeat functions, definately check it out.




Tempus Fugit

[Lexman]

Good point on the limitations Tom. I am pretty much a let er rip sort of guy, so I didn't even think about that as a constraint. But also, I see that you know the true benefit of the 7000.

Lex

[JohanK]

Thanx for the response guys. My local dealer is selling NIB Sony 7700 DVD players for $680 during a promotional sale. However, at this price, I could also get the Parasound to use as a transport and buy a MSB Link DAC. Opinions?

[Seth Speaks]

Johan

If you can find an older Sony ES one of the series that uses the " fixed" laser you will get better imaging and sound than the current Sony CD or DVD players.

These are the models XA7-ES, XA20-ES etc. I have a S7000 DV/CD player and several Sony multi-disc players none sound/image as well as the XA7-ES

[JonMarsh]

On a budget, the XA20ES is very reasonable. The trick would be to find a Sony outlet store with a good deal (how I got mine new for $300), or perhaps find a used one. The XA7ES was one of the best one piece players when it was introduced. There seem to be a moderate number floating around used, but I don't have any experience using it as a transport for an external DAC. A number of folks have gotten nice results with the S7000 DVD player as a transport; it has much lower jitter than many DVD players, but the internal DAC's aren't in the same league as the XA7ES (owned both, still have an XA7ES.
That said, if you hear an SCD777ES on DF3 against the XA7, you won't be happy with the XA7. Even bass guitar is more coherent, and has better dynamics with the SACD player. It's a vicious cycle, and it's not bloody fair, is it? I've demo'd the 777ES against the XA7ES with some "baby" bookshelves I designed using Scanspeak 8544 and SEAS H400 tweeter (intended as a high class "budget" system for bedrooms and kids). They're a clean QB3 alignment, pretty tight bass with some output down to 40 Hz, and even with these, the difference in source is quite audible without resorting to SACD. Given the low prices that SCD777ES can be had for these days, (under $2K), I'd audition one of those before committing to separates. The cheapest DAC that I think will be even close to the 777ES is the Assemblage DAC 3.0, which is $1500. Just an opinion, but something to ponder.

Regards,

Jon




Earth First!
_______________________________
We'll screw up the other planets later....

[Lexman]

If he was planning to purchase an external DAC along with the 500.00 CD player, I think your very correct Jon, consider the SACD. But if only 500 is in the budget, the S7000 isn't a bad option. Or a good used Rega or Cal maybe. (Not real sure if these could be in the 500 range)

Lex





<A HREF="http://www.catcables.com" <IMG SRC="http://www.htguide.com/lexman/other/sm_logo.gif"

[JonMarsh]

GOod suggestions, another possibility would be one of the less expensive Arcam CD players, or a used one; their performance is well above the average.

-Jon




Earth First!
_______________________________
We'll screw up the other planets later....