[Carlos3]

Are there any CD players and/or DACs reputed to make average/flawed recordings sound great along with the better recordings? Thinking in the price range of around $1,000 (new) or less.

I won't be able to do any auditioning until my new amp arrives and I've burned it in, but I'd appreciate any recommendations for the audition list.

 

[TravelLite]

Quote:

Originally posted by Carlos3 Are there any CD players and/or DACs reputed to make average/flawed recordings sound great along with the better recordings?

I'm more than a little puzzled as to just what you mean by "average/flawed recordings".

Budget aside, with professional tools, it's possible to literally remaster a CD (in realtime), if that's what you want.

But an individual would have to be highly, highly motivated, LOL.

TravelLite

 

[lan]

I was under the impression that a better source brings out details and "hides" less. So you can't really have both better sound from average and better recordings.

 

[pbirkett]

In my experience, the better the source, the better both poor and good recordings can sound. However, some believe that a revealing source will reveal too many flaws. However, a one that hides these flaws will itself be flawed, if that makes sense.

 

[Carlos3]

Now that I am awake

I think I can phrase it better: Are there any CDPs/DACs known to be forgiving of poor recordings?

 

[Canman]

The Rega Planet 2000 is fairly forgiving of poor recordings due to its warm/natural character. I had it in my system since May but I sold it last week.

 

[Carlos3]

Do you think it would be too warm to pair with a tube amp?

 

[Canman]

It's too warm for Grado RS-1's. They both have a similar sonic signature and make for bloated bass when combined. As for tube amps, not all of them have a warm signature. It mated well with the Melos SHA-Gold, which does not sound particularly warm. And after listening to the Singlepower amps (not with the Rega, but with the Creek CD53) I would bet they would be a fine combo too. As long as your tube amp doesn't sound lush and woolly.

 

[Carlos3]

Thanks. I've got an MPX3 on order.

I'll put the Rega on the audition list.

 

[markl]

As I've climbed up the audiophile ladder, my observation is that more recordings sound better, the better the gear I have. CDs I thought were horribly recorded/mastered several systems ago, can sound amazing on my newer, better equipment. You come to realize that it was not necessarily the CD/recording at fault, but your equipment that was limiting its playback. some material was just asking too much of my components at the time, they couldn't deliver it clearly and cleanly.

So my feeling and experience is, the better the source, in general, the better *all* recordings will sound.

Mark