Is it Upgrade or Downgrade?

Vince asked:
(14 Nov 2000)

Presently my system consist of Goldmund 21 and 29 Wadia 250 transport and  Mark DAC 30.5 driving Watt/Puppy 5.1. Just asking for your honest opinion whether is it for the better if I change my DAC to dCS Elgar with the upsampler. Always a big thank you for all your articles.

Joe Lee responded:
(15 Nov 2000)

Dear Vince, My first word was ‘Wah!’ Vince, I would love very much to have a chance to listen to your prestigious system. What do you say? The Wadia transport is 25, not 250? Right? Did you ever consider to upgrade your Mark DAC 30.5 to 30.6? I heard it is upgradable and the improvement is tremendous. But pretty costly. OK, back to your question, there is no way I can give you a direct answer. However, an editor of one of the Hong Kong’s popular hi-fi magazines claimed that Mark 30.6 (not 30.5) is competitive to dCS Elgar + Upsampler. If you need a copy (in Chinese), I think I can arrange. I would strongly suggest you to contact Reference Audio and see whether they are willing to offer a home trial for comparison purpose. It is the only way to tell.

Edgar responded:
(18 Jul 2001)

Hi! Looks to me you have a very respectable set. I've never heard the Goldmunds but the name suggests respect ;-) but I'm familiar with the Wadias as I have had one since 1985, and have never looked back! I am just curious why you did not partner the Wadia with it's own DAC? I've used mine for the 1st 15 years to drive my amp directly - I never thought I'd go back to vinyl, but, huhmmp, digital is digital and analogue is. I suppose it really does not matter as long as you enjoy what you have, because at the end of the day, MUSIC IS ALL THAT MATTERS!

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