Jump to content

Buy The Very Best Source You Can Afford


edwinr

Recommended Posts

I wrote recently that I may have been wrong about the importance of quality interconnects and cables. The little experiment I had with switching cables made me consider the importance of the source. We spend heaps on peripheral stuff and the CD playing duties are generally relegated to a universal product or an inexpensive single disc spinner.

I recently borrowed a Mark Levinson No. 39 CD Processor yesterday and I've spent the last several hours being blown away by the best CD sounds I've ever heard in my home. The Mark Levinson even relegates my treasured CEC Belt Drive CD Player to a poor second - even though the No. 39 is a 6 or 7 year old design.

What am I hearing? Well, an amazing top to bottom coherency with a huge soundstage and every little detail just hanging in the air. This is not something that I had to carefully listen for. It just hit me in the face. Food for thought...

Here's a pic...

post-15368-13819321090076_thumb.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I get yer drift, man. Unfortunantly, even a 7 year old Krell is out of my extremely limited budget (sucks bein' poor).

But I am using what some critics say is a sonic best buy (and definately the very best source I can afford), the now-discontinued Cambridge Audio azur 640C (1st generation model).

I'm content...Mozart's "Great Mass" in C minor, K 427 never sounded better to me (my RB-75s help).[;)]

post-11084-13819321091416_thumb.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I wrote recently that I may have been wrong about the importance of quality interconnects and cables. The little experiment I had with switching cables made me consider the importance of the source. We spend heaps on peripheral stuff and the CD playing duties are generally relegated to a universal product or an inexpensive single disc spinner.

I recently borrowed a Mark Levinson No. 39 CD Processor yesterday and I've spent the last several hours being blown away by the best CD sounds I've ever heard in my home. The Mark Levinson even relegates my treasured CEC Belt Drive CD Player to a poor second - even though the No. 39 is a 6 or 7 year old design..

What am I hearing? Well, an amazing top to bottom coherency with a huge soundstage and every little detail just hanging in the air. This is not something that I had to carefully listen for. It just hit me in the face. Food for thought...

Here's a pic...

Edwinr,<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

I couldn't agree more with your comments. It all starts at the source, so the better one you can afford, the better the sound, as you have found out.

I had a similar revelation when putting together my current system. At first I had an original Rega Planet, but later decided to spring for the Rega Jupiter 2000, Regas top CD player at the time. The difference was not subtle; everything opened up, and the increase in refinement was simply startling. I can only imagine what a player the quality of the Levinson you are using would do.

Its refreshing to hear from other members that high-end components do make a difference. It's too bad they cost so darn much!

Love your Martin Logan's, by the way.

William

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Until I bought my BAT CD player I rarely played CDs in my main system. But since then I listen to them regularly.

Prior to the BAT I had an acient Kyocera, an original Rega Planet and an original AH! Tjoeb '98. I still used the Planet in my office system and the AH! in my 2nd home system. They're both nice players, but the BAT is in an entirely different league . . . .

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I get yer drift, man. Unfortunantly, even a 7 year old Krell is out of my extremely limited budget (sucks bein' poor) ... and definately the very best source I can afford... the now-discontinued Cambridge Audio azur 640C (1st generation model).

That's what it's all about - affordability. Cambridge Audio are making inroads with their CD players. I've heard that some specialists are modding their players for even better sound. I like their new 840C though. Exceptional build quaility and much better sound than many universal players.

post-15368-13819321111376_thumb.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...