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Cd player w/ digital input + volume control $2500

Folks,

I'm looking for a CD player with digital input capability and also variable output (volume control). My goal would be to run directly into an amp as it will be the only source component in my system.

I have 1200 or so CD's so I need a player, but I also want to feed from a Sonos, hence the digital input.

I used to have a Cary 303/300 and really liked the sound from it, but it does not have the digital input unfortunately, if I recall correctly.

I figure if I can forego the preamp, I can justify going as high as $3000 for the unit. Used would be OK if it is a reliable product.

So, I'm looking for recommendations on a device in the same quality as the 303/300 or better that meets these requirements.

If there are none that will satisfy my preferences, I'll probably drop the variable output in favor of going to a preamp. The digital inputs must be available, however.

Any recommendations? It looks like none of the Current Cary products will meet these requirements. Darn, I wish the 303/300 had digital inputs.

Thanks,

---Michael
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ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,243 posts
 
Wadia, Audio Aero players will do that and should be available for the price you want to pay.
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mjm6 OP
39 posts
 
...Also, I suppose an alternate approach would be to get a really good DAC with volume control, and then a separate CD transport of some kind.

I have an EAD Ultra DVD player that has served me well as a transport in the past, and I could re-purpose it as a transport.

Suggestions of equipment to consider are much appreciated.

---Michael
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mjm6 OP
39 posts
 
Thanks Ejlif, I'll check them out.
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ejlif
1,243 posts
 
I think you would be better off to get a good DAC. I've owned both the Wadia 860x and Audio Areo Capitole Mk 2 as well as a few other great CD players by Ayre and Meridian and to me they were all bettered by a DAC and a mac mini playing back the files. you can always hook up a transport like you say. I have also found that I've never really been happy with digital devices with volume control there was always something lacking vs running through a great preamp. If it were my money to spend I would put 2500 towards a preamp and spend 500 on a DAC. This is just the conclusion I've come to over many years of trial and error.
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mjm6 OP
39 posts
 
Ejlir,

That's a very good thought, and something I have considered, but without extensive testing, I didn't figure I would be able to answer it, so I appreciate the feedback.

That opens me up to a much less expensive DA and a really excellent preamp... which may be good for me, as I am generally partial to tube preamps.

If I were to aim for $500 to $1000 in a DAC, what would you recommend considering? My preferences tend to fall on a darker sound. If you have heard the Cary 303/300, you know what I like.

---Michael
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