Lets talk CD Players

2

Comments

  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited January 2008
    ModWright 9100ES.

    I like it with the Amperex 7119's but a set of GE 7044's is a close second. That said the "stock" Tung Sol 5687's ain't bad at all. Each has its own flavor and it all boils down to what sound you prefer.

    Of course, I'm biased here.
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited January 2008
    reeltrouble1 wrote: »

    Hell lets get the boy a DCS or Reimyo, the new Esoteric two piece is a cool 15grand.

    RT1


    I was trying to stay in the reasonable range. :D
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
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  • BlueMDPicker
    BlueMDPicker Posts: 7,569
    edited January 2008
    steveinaz wrote: »
    Wadia is pretty much the pinnacle in redbook CD. If I had money falling out of my ****, I would own one.
    A lovingly cared for 302 or 301 (my favorite and in my main system) can be had for 20-30 cents on the dollar versus MSRP. No need to be discharging drachmas from the derri
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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited January 2008
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    The guy at Signal Path is named Rick. We have two members here who owned Tri Vista SACD players and both took a dump. Musical Fidelity offered up the kW with trade in an a little moola.

    The information about the Tri Vista's failing is all over the audio rags. Stereophile, TAS etc. Musical Fidelity, Krell and a couple of other manufacturers are suing Phillips because Phillips abandoned any responsibility for making good on the crappy transports that were sold to those companies.

    Yeah, Rick was the guy I talked to... Oh wait, I had it wrong: I just found the email- he said worst case they'd replace "it" w/ a KW for ~$900. Hanging participle: I assumed at the time he meant "it" to be the transport, but from what you say it sounds like he was talking about the whole thing.
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
    Jordan JX92s : MF X-T100 : Xray v8
    Backburner:Krell KAV-300i
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited January 2008
    unc2701 wrote: »
    Yeah, Rick was the guy I talked to... Oh wait, I had it wrong: I just found the email- he said worst case they'd replace "it" w/ a KW for ~$900. Hanging participle: I assumed at the time he meant "it" to be the transport, but from what you say it sounds like he was talking about the whole thing.

    Wow $900 is an awesome price. From what I understand the standard offer for original owners was $1200 plus the Tri Vista and a new kW would be sent out.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited January 2008
    BlueMDPicker wrote: »
    A lovingly cared for 302 or 301 (my favorite and in my main system) can be had for 20-30 cents on the dollar versus MSRP. No need to be discharging drachmas from the derri
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited January 2008
    For me, the CDP buck stops at Wadia, Meridian, and MOON (Sim Audio). I can't afford any of them right now. After some debts are paid I plan to get a YBA to hold me over until I can drop the coin on my last cd player.

    I've never really cared for MF, all the demos I've had possesed a very hard edge to the sound, very clinical and dry.

    Cheers,
    Russ
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited January 2008
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    Wow $900 is an awesome price. From what I understand the standard offer for original owners was $1200 plus the Tri Vista and a new kW would be sent out.

    I don't know... I was clear that I wasn't the original owner and at the time I really thought that he was saying that they'd replace the transport w/ a KW one. Unfortunately, I dicked around for too long and the Tri-Vista sold- I think they were asking $950 as-is, but that that would have been a sweet deal for a new KW ($1850)... Still, even with no repairs for $950, it would have made a pretty decent DAC.

    Back on topic- I've heard great things about the new Bryston BCD-1. Unfortunately, they only do 5 year warranties on their digital products instead of the usual 20 year.
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
    Jordan JX92s : MF X-T100 : Xray v8
    Backburner:Krell KAV-300i
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,557
    edited January 2008
    Ok, here WAS the deal. If the T-V SACD could not be repaired, that is the transport was dead, MF offered one of two choices. First option, they would trade/sell you a kW DM25 DAC and Transport for $900.00, original owner or a little more if you were not. Second option, they offered the kW SACD for $1200.00, original owner, more if not. There are no more kW SACD players to be had, so there is only the one option now.

    There is no swapping a kW transport into a T-V as they are completely different.

    As Joe correctly noted, Phillips is the real culprit in this mess.



    Russ, the only thing I can say is you've had some lousy demos. They are nothing, if not musical.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited January 2008
    Well, that clears it up.

    Anyhow, I'd say Russ's assessment is true for the non-tubed ones (I should know- I've got two right now), but the tubed Musical Fidelity's add a lot of warmth. I tend to like clinical, so the lower end actually works out well for me.
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
    Jordan JX92s : MF X-T100 : Xray v8
    Backburner:Krell KAV-300i
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited January 2008
    Lasareath wrote: »
    What about the NAGRA?

    I heard that their CDP is Amazing

    http://www.nagraaudio.com/highend/index.php

    nagra_cd_pop.jpg

    That thing looks like a tank. Solid build for sure based upon that pic. Nice.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited January 2008
    unc2701 wrote: »

    Back on topic- I've heard great things about the new Bryston BCD-1.
    I had the pleasure of trying one of these out.Silmply put,it is the best I have ever heard redbook CD reproduced.

    I know some think their reviews are of little value, but apparently the Feb issue of Stereophile raves about it.
    Testing
    Testing
    Testing
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited January 2008
    Lasareath wrote: »
    What about the NAGRA?

    I heard that their CDP is Amazing

    http://www.nagraaudio.com/highend/index.php

    nagra_cd_pop.jpg

    Holy crap!!!! If that thing ended up eating your CD, you'd NEVER get it out!!!!

    :eek:
    George Grand wrote: »
    Jstas wrote: »
    Simple question. If you had a cool million bucks, what would you do with it?
    Wonder WTF happened to the rest of my money.
    In Use
    PS3, Yamaha CDR-HD1300, Plex, Amazon Fire TV Gen 2
    Pioneer Elite VSX-52, Parasound HCA-1000A
    Klipsch RF-82ii, RC-62ii, RS-42ii, RW-10d
    Epson 8700UB
    In Storage
    [Home Audio]
    Rotel RCD-02, Yamaha KX-W900U, Sony ST-S500ES, Denon DP-7F
    Pro-Ject Phono Box MKII, Parasound P/HP-850, ASL Wave 20 monoblocks
    Klipsch RF-35, RB-51ii
    [Car Audio]
    Pioneer Premier DEH-P860MP, Memphis 16-MCA3004, Boston Acoustic RC520
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  • Shizelbs
    Shizelbs Posts: 7,433
    edited January 2008
    Well Sid, I'll be over here watching for your opinions as you upgrade from the Shanling. I still really like mine, and not just for the looks anymore. I'd be curious to listen to the higher up offerings from Shanling, but thats just me.
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  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited January 2008
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    I can't keep it, I need to pay for the Raysonic!:(

    I hear you. I am holding on to my gear until a last resort.:)
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited January 2008
    Sal, how much for one of those?
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • BaggedLancer
    BaggedLancer Posts: 6,371
    edited January 2008
    treitz3 wrote: »
    Sal, how much for one of those?

    $14,995 according to stereophile for the CDC.

    CDP is $13,495
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  • BaggedLancer
    BaggedLancer Posts: 6,371
    edited January 2008
    Lasareath wrote: »
    I heard Ted's $8000 SACD and it sounded amazing. I can just imagine what this one sounds like. It must be the best out there!

    Negative! dCS scarletti SACD/CD comes in at a cool $32,999. I listened to that and damnnnnnn was that amazing. Granted the speakers we were listening to were Magico Ultimates($289,000) powered by a pair of Boulder monoblocks($79,000/pair).....I was a bit biased :rolleyes:

    Link to the dCS:
    http://goodwinshighend.com/digital.htm
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  • LuSh
    LuSh Posts: 887
    edited January 2008
    I realize I often beat a dead horse but it is hard to see people spend so much money on stuff that doesn't offer the performance upgrade one should demand. I recently had a chance to compare a modded Museatex setup vs a Musical Fidelity A5...there was no comparison.

    Your budget should allow you to find a used Museatex Bidat (as this is the main purchase for 09' I strongly feel if you're patient you can find one: I've been looking for 5months now and will continue to wait) I suspect based on the opinions of those who have owned not only the Wadia but also the dCs stack mentioned within this thread that the Bidat (modded by Museatex) will beat the above players by a fairly healthy margin.

    Online Audio guru Romy insisted on listing a Ridiculous price for his two remaining Bidats:
    http://www.goodsoundclub.com/Commerce/SaleListing.aspx?Cat=Digital

    This may have been the single reason why prices shot up. The normal 'street' price of a Bidat is $2-3k. I saw one sell three weeks ago but alas I was too late; it was low at $1500. I own the lower Bitstream and I can tell you that I haven't come across a digital source which was better; the Bidat intrigues me as it uses balanced connections as does my Krell. If you're considering spending so much money on a 'finale' player simply do some research on this unit; I believe it is well worth your time.

    p.s.
    Bwhite (from Audiogon) did list his for $3k and it sold within 24 hrs, he's eventually found another replacement and kept it so you'll have to keep tabs on the used sights.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,644
    edited January 2008
    I have alot to think about...

    Im pondering* getting the PS Audio DAC to go with my Shanling, as that Shanling is totally cool... lol

    Hmmmm

    Wadia is the way Im going to go if I get a whole new CDP though...

    So lots to think about...

    Keep the advice and opinions coming though
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • tryrrthg
    tryrrthg Posts: 1,896
    edited January 2008
    Should have bought the Bel Canto DAC2 for sale in the flea market. It's a poor mans Wadia.

    From this review
    It's Wadia sound for far less money than it ever took to play in those elevated leagues.

    Why this reference? For two reasons. First, Jim Kinne, involved with Wadia's Digimaster architecture, was involved with the DAC2, too. Bel Canto's John Stronczer likes to surround himself with topnotch talent. Secondly, an audiophile friend with whom I've listened -- to hear things ear-to-ear -- is very familiar with Wadia. She scoffed at the original DAC1. Upon being told one too many times that the DAC2 was a different animal altogether, she eventually caved in and tried it. Back to the loaning dealer went the £1,900 HiFi+ "Component of the Year" Chord DAC-64 while the DAC2 stayed indefinitely. Asked how the DAC1 and DAC2 compared -- being a card-carrying audiophile, she had 'em both in her system at the same time -- her proud owner's comments summed up my own feelings which, admittedly, here rely on memory (it's been a while since I had the DAC1 in my system):

    "The original was nice - polite, soft, pleasant, a bit subdued. The new one's both exciting and elegant and of considerably higher resolution. It's still easy listening but now resolves micro detail like the big dogs to fully involve the listener. Actually, it sounds like a Wadia." Exactly. End of story.
    Sony KDL-40V2500 HDTV, Rotel RSX-1067 Receiver, Sony BDP-S550 Blu-ray, Slim Devices Squeezebox, Polk RTi6, CSi3 & R15, DIY sub with Atlas 15
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  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited January 2008
    How about a Wadia DAC first. Later you can add the Wadia transport.
    madmax
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,644
    edited January 2008
    Oddly enough the DAC's are about as much as the players...

    Not much less

    Something I may invest in this year are more acoustic panels... my room could use it!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited January 2008
    F1nut wrote: »
    Russ, the only thing I can say is you've had some lousy demos. They are nothing, if not musical.

    The demos were fine, with great gear to compliment - I don't like MF cd players.
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited January 2008
    Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote: »
    Oddly enough the DAC's are about as much as the players...

    Not much less

    Something I may invest in this year are more acoustic panels... my room could use it!

    He He. You said invest. :p
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited January 2008
    The demos were fine, with great gear to compliment - I don't like MF cd players.

    For the short time I owned my MF A3.2 CD player, I found it a little clinical for my liking as well. It did have a super clean sound and AWESOME detail, but not quite as lively as I was hoping for. Did seem to have zero jitter and never distorted with very tight (but lightish) bass. Granted, I didn't play around with different interconnects which may have solved the problem. When played through my Theta DAC, it was the best of both worlds, but I figure a $1500 CD player shouldn't need a separate DAC. Along with its lack of SACD playback, I decided to sell. For my A3.2 int and CDP, I got a MF A308 int in trade, and a couple bucks to pay for shipping.

    I'm thinking of going with a Marantz SA-8260 or possibly SA-14 to get a solid universal audio player. Might even sell my Theta to fund.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,557
    edited January 2008
    RuSsMaN wrote: »
    The demos were fine, with great gear to compliment - I don't like MF cd players.

    I do. No one that's ever heard the T-V or kW has ever said they were anything but musical.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited January 2008
    Oh my Jesse, difference of opinion ok? It's not an attack on what you like, it's just an opinion. You like MF players, I don't. I like B&W speakers, you don't.......etc etc etc..................................
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited January 2008
    Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote: »
    Oddly enough the DAC's are about as much as the players...

    Not much less

    Yes, but supposedly the seperates are worth having. The year after you go for the player (or DAC) you will be looking for yet another upgrade. That is when you get the transport. To each their own obviously.
    madmax
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,557
    edited January 2008
    RuSsMaN wrote: »
    Oh my Jesse, difference of opinion ok? It's not an attack on what you like, it's just an opinion. You like MF players, I don't. I like B&W speakers, you don't.......etc etc etc..................................


    Yeah...yeah, don't get your panties in a wad, I'm not. What's interesting to me, I find B&W's dry, clinical and edgy and the MF CDP's I've heard very musical, yet you are just the opposite. Hmmmmm.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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