Hello Olaf,

Thanks for the prompt comment.

As you might be aware, my system is the A-70/C-3800 combo plus the DP-510. Now awaiting the delivery of the Magico S1.

I regard the DP-510 a very capable CD player but I suspect my system will be more in the hi-fi than musical side of spectrum. In other words, having all electronics of one manufacturer seems to be "too much of a good thing" to me. Due to that, I never considered to upgrade to the DP-700 or 720 (aside it is too expensive).

Surely it is too soon to speculate before hearing to the "new" system with the inclusion of the S1 but I suspect a more "tube-like" (not necessarily tube) source would work well, providing some warmth to the sound.

If you have to guess, how do you see the sound of my current system? Do you agree that a more "round" source would be welcome in the system?

Hi Marcossy,

I can only comment on the DP-500, which in my ears was not a very good player, the DP-510 might be a lot better, I don't know.

At the time when I listened to the Ayre CX7e MP, the soundstage got larger, width and depth. The Ayre had much more drive, overall better at making music then the DP-500.

The CX7e mp is still high on my list, for the money IMO there is nothing that beats it.

When I look at your set up, A-70/C-3800, Magico S1 is all top equipment, any difference/weak spots in a source will be easy to spot.

Best to try a few different sources, maybe the DP-510 is already ticking all the boxes.

It seems that the DP-510 is really significantly better than the P-500.

Your description of the CX7e MP is quite impressive.
It makes me think of adding the QB-9 dsd to the system.

You're right. I'll try few different sources (with no hurry since the wallet is almost empty now:D) and then decide if it is worthwhile to replace the DP-510 or add a DAC.

Hi Marcossy,

I am using the Ayre DX-5 DSD as my USB DAC, very happy with it, it automatically switches on when it gets signal from my streamer and automatically picks up on the resolution.

Streaming is great, sitting in your chair with access to hundreds of albums makes it a joy.

If you try the QB-9 in your system, leave it on for a couple of days, Ayre gear is notorious for taking some time to sound great.

Dumb question, how does one play .wav files on a thumb drive using the front USB port? I formatted 3 thumb drives to FAT32 and used different bit depths and sampling rates, but nothing. I could see the folders, but not the files within the folders.

Hi Tommy, never tried it, but I remember Charles Hansen mentioning on a forum that the front USB port was of lesser quality.

WAV files through the rear USB input are no problem.

I found out the front and back rectangular USB ports don't support .wav files via thumb drive. It's the player's limitation.

The new QX5 does, lol.

But it doesn't play SACD or bluray :P

The DX-5 is fixed in my system, it won't move even if I buy a QX-5 or Chord Dave.