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Update the cd player...or just get a V-dac?

74.32.13.157
Posted on October 30, 2009 at 16:54:41
jpbeckaudio
Audiophile

Posts: 37
Location: Hudson Valley, NY
Joined: June 12, 2009
 I have a Creek CD43 MK II. If I wanted to update the unit, would I do best by spending another $1K on a new cd player, or spend $300 on a Musical Fidelity V-dac and link via the S/PDIF on the player?

RE: Update the cd player...or just get a V-dac?, posted on November 1, 2009 at 11:30:35
Sturmey
Audiophile

Posts: 246
Location: No. California
Joined: March 14, 2003
 Try the V-DAC. I love mine, particularly with the Little Pinkey power supply upgrade. If you don't like it with your current CD player, you can always sell it for a net loss of not that much. It really is a terrific DAC.

Only pursue VDAC if your Creek is a very good transport., posted on October 31, 2009 at 10:02:32
hukkfinn
Audiophile

Posts: 2827
Location: East Coast
Joined: July 19, 2002
 If the Creek is only a "so-so" transport, you will be better off getting a whole new CD player because I've found that the VDAC will not create magic when fed by a crappy or so-so transport.

If the Creek is a strong transport, the VDAC may very well provide a large improvement. Sure the Creek is a very good player, and probably has a very nice DAC inside, but it's around 10 years old technology-wise.

Hukk

Keep the Creek, or budget more for a CDP (New Creek or other from UK), posted on October 31, 2009 at 03:44:26
Frihed89
Audiophile

Posts: 8435
Location: Copenhagen
Joined: March 21, 2005
 I do like Arcam and Naim, too. I'm not sure what the "new" Quad CDP sound like. The old 99, was it?, was very musical and UK-ish.
"What did the Romans ever do for us?"
RE: Update the cd player...or just get a V-dac?, posted on October 31, 2009 at 03:40:04
jimmyjames
Audiophile

Posts: 3176
Location: Raleighwood
Joined: February 20, 2001
 haven't heard the Vdac but have heard the DacMagic and others. Depends on what you want to spend, you most always get what you pay for with the exceptions of the few giant killers. Check out the CIAudio dac at around $600. Amusicdirect.com will give you 30 days to audition it. Beats the heck out of any cdp at $1000. The Dacmagic is very nice as well but the CIA is much better if you do not need USB.

"E pur si muove...And yet it moves"
RE: Update the cd player...or just get a V-dac?, posted on October 30, 2009 at 19:01:28
Spendor Harbeth
Audiophile

Posts: 601
Location: Left Coast
Joined: May 15, 2009
 Change cd player. The V-DAC would be a step down. Transport and cheap DAC is not going to do it...wall wart power supply, an extra cable...etc..

The Rega's are on sale.

RE: Update the cd player...or just get a V-dac?, posted on October 30, 2009 at 18:03:16
PhilB
Audiophile

Posts: 14
Location: Central Illinois
Joined: May 22, 2007
 I'd go with the V-DAC and keep your Creek CD player as a transport. The V-DAC is a bargain at $300 and sounds terrific.

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