Source upgrade to balance my system

[Ultrasonic]

Hey guys, recently with the addition of my lovely MF a308 amp my ssystem has taken a hike in sound quality. As it is jan in a few weeks, there are always some ex demo hifi bargains around, i am looking to add a quality DAC to my system that will sound much better than my standalone cd6000Ki which although good is a little bit outclassed by the rest of my system. Ive been looking at the Tri Vista 21 DAC, chord 64 and the matching a308cr cd player. I dont want to spend more than £800.

Cheers,
Ultra

I cant actually fault the sound of my system at the moment so this is quite a pointless thread! Should i bother upgrading? I suppose the marantz does have slightly ponderous bass but the MF has awesome grip so tidies it up loads, but the mid bass still has a very mild hump to it and treble could be a tiny bit sweeter but thats just knit picking as i have been listening to just about every cd i own through the new amp and it sounds fantastic.

 

[I-S]

I'm not sure I'd go the DAC route as the CD6000 is an average transport at best. The KI modifications are highly focused on the analogue sections of the player.

If you're happy, stick with it.

 

[lordsummit]

Buy some music, that'll be in the sales too. After all that is why you bought your hi-fi isn't it?

 

[Ultrasonic]

true, i have only just got a new amp i should enjoy it before another upgrade! God damm upgrading it is sooo addictive! How good is the arcam fmj cd23T? ive seen them around for £400!!! Is the DCS ring DAC meant to be the dogs danglies? Would it be a good upgrade from ym current cdp? I just dont like the gold finish mixed with the silver MF it really doesnt look right
Also i was blown away by the improvement a 2 grand amp had over a £300 1 and want to feed it with a better source.

Ultra

 

[ditton]

if you really want an itch to scratch, then buy a s/h meridian transport & dac (say, the 200/203 or the 602/606) and then you can start upgrading lots ...

... reclocking
... and more

 

[julian2002]

audio synthesis dax-2, ring david at a/s and see if he's got a trade in version. you should be able to get one under your budget pretty easily. then spend the rest on getting your marantz's digital ouput upgraded or sell it and buy a better transport - meridian or dpa spring to mind i guess.

 

[Tenson]

I really enjoyed my Alpha 9 CDP which has the Ring DAC.

How about this DAC? I am probably going to get one when I have the chance. https://www.audio-forums.com/as-rediect/showthread.php?t=11265

The builder is a really nice guy as well, I have been talking to him lots. I think the fully assermbled d02 DAC comes in at around £300 with shipping! (not sure of import tax).

 

[Nomoretweaks]

I cant actually fault the sound of my system at the moment so this is quite a pointless thread! Should i bother upgrading?

No. IMO you should live with your new amp for a while. When you get accustomed to the sound, you will realise its limitations and understand where exacty you want it to improve. Then start auditioning things. Otherwise you may loose your money and get no results. More expensive stuff does not nesessary mean better sound.

 

[AlexTaylor]

I'd make sure that your current system is set up properly before spending any money, that should help with things like bass fatness from the player.
I had someone from the dealer round who by just doing a few things that i'd never have even thought of my system went from frustrating to utterly gobsmacking.
I must update the pictures on the forum though!