This represents the current state of my system, about 2 years after succumbing to my lifelong audiophile tendencies. I am pretty happy with the system (particularly since my last two acquisitions, the Powerplant and the VPI turntable). I listen mostly to jazz, soul (including neo-soul) and hip-hop music (no classical), so I need a system capable of conveying both the detailed nuances of Jacintha's singing and the serious bottom-end of A Tribe Called Quest's Low-End Theory. For the most part, my system performs admirably in that regard, esp. the amp, speakers and turntable. For some reason, I'm not as taken with the SCD-333; when I A/B it against the Arcam, it sounds pretty edgy and harsh. Perhaps some mods are in order? Or just ditch the SCD, the Arcam or both in favor of an upsampling CD player? ( I demo'ed the Cary 303/200 in NY and it sounded awesome - I hear the 306/200 is that much better.) Planned or contemplated future upgrades (all via Audiogon): 1. Trade in 7Bs for 10Ts; 2. Trade in A400 for 450 monoblocks (waiting for review); 3. CD player upgrade mentioned above 4. Buy another P600 (gotta separate digital and analog, dont'cha know?) Polite comments and questions are welcomed!
12/02 update: just swapped out the Marsh p2000 preamp for the newly-acquired Audible Illusions Modulus 3A preamp. There may be something to all that audiophile jargon about "tonal color", "inner detail" etc.; I definitely hear more low-level detail on my CDs and LPs than previously. The M3A is not as authoritative in the bass as was the Marsh, but I understand the latest upgrade fix that problem - I intend to see for myself.
System edited: Just swapped the Alpha 8SE for a FMJ CD23. This may or may not be a pit stop on the way to an upsampling player such as the Cary 306/200 or the Electrocompaniet, but, as good as the 8SE is, the FMJ is miles better. Greater delineation of instruments, better articulation and the highs (cymbals etc.) ring without any etching. I love this player!!! BTW, still soliciting advice on the speaker upgrade - I'm partial to the Aerial sound, so I'm looking at 8Bs, but any comments would be appreciated. Thanks for looking.
It appears you are on the right track IMO in upgrading your CD player. You obviously have a developed ear from your experience with vinyl. Cary is an excellent choice although a little expensive and it does have some reliability issues. Muse would be good to look at as well. Used Accuphase is a possibility, no sonic signature but very refined and a good value.
I wouldn't be in a hurry to change speakers . You will introduce a whole host of new anomalies in your listening room by adding bass response.
