CD player upsampling options

[dude]

Hi Dafos,

First off, how do you like your 303 versus the AR CDP?

I will provide comments regarding the mod once I've had a chance to listen.

Expecting unit back in my hands 12/30. Very exciting.

Gordon

[asindc]

Originally Posted by Dafos

Hi dude, I recently acquired the 303t which replaced an audio research ref cd7. Please update us on the sonic benefits of the mods installed to your cdp.

Dafos,

How do you like the 303T compared to the AR CD7?

[Dafos]

Pls see the "ref cd 7 vs Cary 303 t" thread found in the audio research forum where I tried to detail a comparison of the two units.

[asindc]

Originally Posted by Dafos

Pls see the "ref cd 7 vs Cary 303 t" thread found in the audio research forum where I tried to detail a comparison of the two units.

Thanks. I enjoyed reading your review. I had always wondered how Cary CD players compared to ARC players. I wonder if ARC is planning on putting digital inputs into their future CD players. At this point, I wonder why anyone would build a high-end CDP without digital inputs.

[Dafos]

Well ARC probably figures you can always add the dac 8 and come to think of it, at 5k and 10k for the newer cd 8, the 15k combined price is within the range of several topnotch cd players with digital inputs such as playback designs, dcs, emm, to name but a few. Btw, If you look at pictures of the 303 from the top, you'll wonder why the unit is so heavy, heavier than the cd 7, until you realize that the 303 is equipped with 2 huge c core transformers underneath the pcb, plus 2 smaller transformers that are visible from on top. But your 306's power supply has easily twice the capacitance of your 306.

[dude]

I wanted to share my impressions regarding the modifications to my Cary CDP.

I've had it back for a week or so and am very pleased with the results. A substantial increase in overall musicality.

One caveat. Marigo sent me their new Evo Signature mat and, after many before after tests, I've decided to use it in my listening sessions. Hence, my difficulty in determining how much the increased performance is attributable to the mods versus the mat.

If anyone is interested, you can contact Marigo for further information.

GG

[Dafos]

Dude, thanks for the tip. Personally I find the clearance of the 303's tray quite tight. Doesn't the marigo mat get snagged when closing the cd drawer? Btw who did the mods on your 306?

[dude]

Dafos,

Ron Hendrick of Marigo Audio did the mods. Four Bybee purifiers, a new IEC outlet, and application of numerous vibration control "dots" in various places, summarizes the mod.

Regarding the mat thickness, I have a Cary 306 and the vertical tray clearance is very tight. However, the current Evo Sig iteration, is quite thin and pliable. I have experienced no operational issues using the mat.

FWIW, Ron gave me the right to return the mat. After about 10 days of auditioning the unit (using the mat), I'm not inclined to return the product.

GG

[Stefan_DR3]

Hey guys,
6 months later I'm curious if you are still enjoying your 303T and 306 SACD players?