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A headache of choice over CD player

For a budget of between US$5,000 and 7,000, what would you choose of these options - Wadia 381, McIntosh MCD500, Ayre C-5xeMP and Esoteric X-03? Any other suggestions?

I play CDs 99% of the time, not SACD. Just two-channel.

I currently use a Bluenote Stibbert 2007 (improved) and am looking to it step up. I like a big, bold, punchy and transparent sound (if that's not asking for too much!).

I use a McIntosh C220 pre and MC402 power amp, driving Magnepan 1.6 speakers. All cabling, balanced, is MIT CVT Terminator 2.

I'm getting the Wadia home for a demo next week, and can also arrange for the Ayre. The Esoteric will be avaible for home demo next month. But not the McIntosh, which I have to buy "blind", although Mac owners assure me it is the right choice ... :)
bassraptor
tfl303's avatar
tfl303
74 posts
 
go hi rez get the alpha dac and server with amarra and call it a day welcome to the 21st century.
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
It ain't mine and it is a tad over budget but there is a Meridian 808-i2 in the used ads. I would say it is probably a notch above most anything.--Except maybe the 75k Scarlatti stack.
srwooten's avatar
srwooten
694 posts
 
PSA Perfect Wave DAC and Transport is an excellent option IMO. Very versatile too.
bassraptor OP
62 posts
 
I'm running the PS Audio now ...

Two years ago, when I was auditioning CD players, I took a number home to try before almost settling for the Ayre CX-7e. Just as I was about to make up my mind, a dealer friend brought over the Bluenote and when we got it warmed up and running, I went "Wow!" ... Sent the Ayre back and settled for the Bluenote.

The Perfect Wave combo is good, but didn't elicit a similar response from me. So ...

Where I live, there are distributors for Ayre, Meridian, Wadia, Cary Audio, McIntosh, Audio Research, Krell, Esoteric, Pathos, Burmester, dCS, Nagra, Soulution, PS Audio and a few others. However, not all are in my budget ...

Thanks for all the feedback, though ...
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
1,368 posts
 
Check out the MP upgrade of tha Ayre players. The Minimum Phase filters are a significant improvement, especially in the area of digital glare or listener fatigue.

All Ayre players are built as MP now, older players can be upgraded for $250 or so.

PS Audio Perfect Wave, Meridian .2 players and the Esoteric SA-50 have similar technology. Do a little research on Minimum Phase or apodising filters.
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