[ironbut]

Went for it huh Jp?

Last time I listened to Al's, I thought it was sounding really excellent. It seems like it takes a good bit of burn in because I wasn't too crazy about it the first time (CanJam).

See you in Chi town.

 

[cmk]

Esoteric P5/D5 $14,000
P5 is a CD & SACD transport employing VMK-5 clamping system optimised for high speed disc rotation.
D5 has 32bit dual mono DAC employing the AK4397 developed by AKM Semicon Inc.
Using a cheap no name Japanese iLink cable for digital and a Belden 75ohm cable for the clock sync.

 

[cpetrillo]

Ayon CD-3 with upgraded NOS tubes and custom upgraded umbilicle between power supply and player. $7000 stock $1100 for upgrades.

 

[jp11801]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironbut /img/forum/go_quote.gif Went for it huh Jp? Last time I listened to Al's, I thought it was sounding really excellent. It seems like it takes a good bit of burn in because I wasn't too crazy about it the first time (CanJam). See you in Chi town.

I've got plenty of time to get it going, I had the 302 and Al's Amarra 4 at the house prior to my move for a comparison. The 302 was not blown out by the model 4 but the model 4 was clearly better in every area. Soundstage was much deeper, sounds were clearer and while I would not call the 302 bright the model 4 had clearer highs and the bass oh the bass...

That said for the $1600 a ULN-2 is a no brainer and I've not heard another dac in its class that is better.

 

[markmaxx]

Meridian 808.2i MSRP. $16,995.00

 

[melomaniac]

well... dunno if you all remind each other periodically about the difference between high price and high end. some dirty analogies come to mind (must be the hour). instead, let me just say I have a transporter, a fine source in my experience, although not the most expensive one here or on this thread...

 

[jamvanman]

Weiss Dac2, $3300.

 

[DaveBSC]

Curious if anyone has experienced the new MSB Tech DAC IV stuff. They seem pretty insane.

 

[papomaster]

I don't own the shanling t-1000se anymore (newer version of the t-100), but I now have:

- PartsConnexion modded (level 2) denon dv-5900, which was ~2000$ for player plus ~2000-2500 for mods, so around 4k.

- Raysonic cd-128 (around 1800$ usd/CDN new).

 

[vcoheda]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmk /img/forum/go_quote.gif Esoteric P5/D5 $14,000 P5 is a CD & SACD transport employing VMK-5 clamping system optimised for high speed disc rotation. D5 has 32bit dual mono DAC employing the AK4397 developed by AKM Semicon Inc. Using a cheap no name Japanese iLink cable for digital and a Belden 75ohm cable for the clock sync.

the esoterics are built like tanks. i really don't think any other player is close in terms of build quality and the transport is bar none the best as well.

 

[moonboy403]

I don't own the Electrocompaniet ECD1 anymore.

I'm now using an Accuphase DP-57 (MSRP: $4900).

 

[n3rdling]

Oh cool Gary!

What made you go for that player? I almost got one once.

 

[moonboy403]

Quote:

Originally Posted by n3rdling /img/forum/go_quote.gif Oh cool Gary! What made you go for that player? I almost got one once.

You're just asking for trouble Milos! I got the Accuphase bug ever since I heard/saw yours at the OC meet.

 

[c3p0]

chord qbd76

 

[19lexicon78]

sony cdp/s-3000
1.500.000 yen in 1984