Advice please tube vs. solid state CDP

phipiper10

I started out today with looking at the Oppo Universal player and now I'm considering a tube CDP? Oh a slippery slope!

Early B made a comment/recommendation that stuck with me after I posed a question about the mods for the Oppo. He suggested the Bada hd-22 for CDP. I've never heard of the brand and hadn't considered going down the road of tubes since I've only been introduced to them from what I've read here.

What are your thoughts on me going with the Bada based on what I have now for two channel? (below) I'm aware of the limitations of the equipment below but it's one step at a time. I thought this might be a good introduction to tubes with out breaking the bank. The question is, is now the time or should I pursue something else first like speakers(separates) first. I was planning to make the 901 the last update since it's newest and the net tune feature is so damn handy I can't let it go. The wife uses it everyday.

pre/pro: Onkyo TX-NR901
Amp: Rotel RB-990BX
Front: RT800i

Would this CDP "fit" in my system in terms of synergy w/ partial tube source and everything else SS? I'm sure this will take me down the path of separates and tube mania - though I'll be out of money after this next purchase so the mania would have to wait.

If you've got any links or advice on where to go for more info on tubes by all means I'd love to see em'. I've spent the last few hours trying to get some understanding of tubes - I have none, and trying to find reviews of the Bada!

I don't mind learning, I'm a "researcher" by nature(google is my friend). An electrician/ Scientist not so much, hence my fear of tubes.

Anyone with experience with this player or mixing the tube CDP with SS everything else I'd love to hear your thoughts.

pre/pro: Onkyo TX-NR901
Amp: Rotel RB-990BX
Front: RT800i

I've been asking a lot of questions and have appreciated the guidance thus far, all input is greatly appreciated! I got some Christmas money so let's spend it. Maybe a Bada and the Oppo? (and the HDMI swither!)

http://pacificvalve.us/BDHD22.htm
Also affordable Audio for November had a review where it ....outclassed the cambridge audio 640c in "every conceivable category"

Thanks!

RuSsMaN

Find a good cd player, tube or solid state.

beardog03

The AH! 4000 CDP w/ upsampler is an out standing Player and a great buy

Little tweek like the power cord up grade and the dynamat make a big difference also..

www.upscaleaudio.com

I have never heard the Badda, but I read and hear good thing about it..

badda-bing baby

If you don`t like it for some reason, sell it for what ya paid and try something else...
That`s what`s so great about this hobby !
The options are seemingly endless, and it`s a blast experimenting

occasionaly ( mostly by accident )..I find synergy in the oddest combo`s..!!

Roy Munson

I've never heard the Bada but I've also heard good things about it. I purchased a Jolida tube cdp several months ago and I think it's great..imho it will blow away any ss cdp in it's price range, just roll some new tubes like the Ei Elite gold pins and you'll be set! I would say to go for the Bada and if it's as good or even better than the Jolida you'll be very happy!

beardog03

I also have the Gold Pins in mine (Jolida)

Niiice..:p




The AH! has 7308`s in her and the upgraded power cord , dynamat, and the upsampling board ...sound great !

reeltrouble1

I know the Jolida and its an excellent choice. I would not get to hung up on only having a tube cd player, although I do own one and love it.

RT1

phipiper10

Ok, I guess I have two specific questions.

1) Should I expect any more heat from a tube CDP vs. SS? This will go in my cabinet with a glass front and mostly open back. I currently have two small fans, one for the AMP and one for the receiver that keeps everything cool.

2) Any other maintenance other than changing tubes I should be aware of?

Thank

zombie boy 2000

What about looking into getting a tube pre?
You'd probably notice more of a difference IMO

My Dared can be had for around $350 used. And I believe there may be a Dodd ELP floating around on one of the other forums for about $400.

Ricardo

I have the Bada and it's a great player; I also had the Jolida (stock), and if I had to choose again, I would get the Bada. Sounds at least as good and costs less.
There's a 30 days return on the Bada, so you can try it, and if you don't like it you just send it back.
There are many good players out there, SS or tube.

Early B.

phipiper10 wrote:

Ok, I guess I have two specific questions.

1) Should I expect any more heat from a tube CDP vs. SS? This will go in my cabinet with a glass front and mostly open back. I currently have two small fans, one for the AMP and one for the receiver that keeps everything cool.

2) Any other maintenance other than changing tubes I should be aware of?

Thank

1) No, not something t worry about for a CDP.

2). No.

The only way you're gonna know what you like is by trying it. Just buy the Bada or whatever other CDP floats your boat.

Early B.

HTrookie wrote:

I have the Bada and it's a great player; I also had the Jolida (stock), and if I had to choose again, I would get the Bada. Sounds at least as good and costs less.

What kind of tube are you running on the Bada? Did you switch out the stock tube?

phipiper10

Holy Crap! I just hit submit on my purchase of the Bada!

zombie boy 2000

Is that a bad thing?

phipiper10

No, it's excellent, I'm such a noob and I'm buying a tube CDP! I'm fired up!
The wife says she's having 10 beers tonight so will tell her after the 9th!

zombie boy 2000

Try to match her shot for shot with either Jager or Tequila... that should prove to be an even more effective strategy.

Or when she points it out in your rack, just say something like "huh? how 'bout that. Did you buy that? That's not another hair dryer, is it?"

GATOR3000

Bada makes fantastic CD players. Sound is very rich! You are going to have some fun man. Make sure you roll the stock tubes with NOS. RCA 'cleartops' sound awesome on my system.

Just give it some time when you get it and you will find the right tubes that harmonize sonically with you system. Your ears and maybe your wife will tell you.........hehehehe.........after 9th beer..................HMMMMMMMMMM????...I don't know man.

Cheers

Gator:)

Ricardo

Early B. wrote:

What kind of tube are you running on the Bada? Did you switch out the stock tube?

I am running a GE 5670 since day one; got two for $10 on ebay.

You'll love the player

Early B.

Hey Phipiper10 --

Make sure you throw away the stock tube as soon as the Bada arrives and replace it with a GE 5670. You can find plenty of them on ebay real cheap.

schwarcw

Several Forum members (including me have a Sheng Ya) very solid build and great sound quality tube CDP.

You may also want to consider a separate DAC with a tube output stage. They are also very nice. Check Audiogon under DAC's. Monarchy makes a nice one for a reasonable price.