Shifting from a midrange to `proper` CD player

[LDTM]

Morning.

The thread does seem to have gone a wee ways down the rabbit hole but interesting to read nonetheless.

The system I currently have brings me a lot of pleasure but Im aware that it's only "middling" kit and have been wondering how much things might change with a larger budget. Slippery slope, I know, but I'm not sourcing any of our joint savings - Mrs LDTM is hence not bothered.

Primarily, I had been saving up for some new speakers but recently had the thought of updating the front end embedded after reading the advice article from WHF. If a chance comes up to audition one, I'll give it the benefit of the doubt. In the meantime, perhaps shall continue squirreling away for better speakers.

 

[ID.]

BTW, have you compared your CD player with the DAC in your preamp?

Personally I'd think there would be relatively small gains to be made from the CD player. Then again, the DAC section in my Esoteric RZ-1 had definitely been voiced for a particular sound that was rather mellow and Un-esoteric. I don't think that applies to their CD players.

IIRC correctly you aren't too close to a major center, but I know that your current kit and the Esoteric are fairly common here in Japan and I know a number of places where I could go listen to them. Considering the price it might be worth a trip into Osaka or wherever the nearest big city is to have a listen. You won't be able to match volume levels, but the big stores like Yodobashi at least have switching boxes to allow instant switching between the equipment.

 

[lindsayt]

What speakers are you thinking of getting, LDTM?

Will you be getting some Japanese speakers?

 

[LDTM]

ID, yes and no. I have tried the DAC in the preamp, but not fed from the digital out of the CD player. I think I've just figured out what to do this weekend. Of course you're right, it warrants an audition, perhaps there is a conference I can attend in a major city.*mosking*

Lindsayt, funny you should mention that: try as I might, I've never found a pair of Japanese speakers I really liked. Every time I try some out the sound thin, harsh, and shrill. One exception is the big standmounter fromTAD but for that kind of money I feel I could do much better.

To answer your question though, I've an eye on the Dali Epicon 6 or Brodmann F2

 

[lindsayt]

Have you heard any Diatone AS series monitors?

The Japanese were also into JBL homage speakers, like the big Pioneer Exclusives, Akai SW 170, 175, 180, Sansui SP5500.

 

[LDTM]

Astute point, lindsayt, the Japanese are very fond of JBL and Diatone. One of the yahoo auction pages that is drawing a LOT of attention at the moment is an old JBL paragon: looks more like a console table than a speaker. When last I saw it this morning, it had over 130 bids and had cleared 3000000 yen (late model 3 series money). So yeah, there is a market for that kind of stuff.

Regrettably though, I must admit that I am not really a fan of either. I love the way they look and all that, just never have been moved by the sound. The only explanation I can offer is that ever from a young age I was exposed to European speakers so maybe it's created a subconscious bias.