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Decent CD Players

I'm in the midst of putting together a 2 channel system. I have listened to a lot of CD players and I don't think that any players, regardless of price, have really met my ideal. I'm looking for a player that is transparent, has good timing (is not slow as some players seem to be), clear midrange, good bass, good staging and handles the highs well. The budget is around $1,500.

I won't bore you with all of the players I have listed to, but here are two players that could serve as a benchmark. I would say that Arcam's CD92 is pretty clear but not that engaging. The player is dull. I have not listened to the FMJ CD23 but understand that is similar to the 92. The Musical Fidelity A3 is fairly decent but still fails overall. If I had the financial resources, I suppose that I would purchase a Meridian 508.24. This is not much info to go on, but do you have any recommendations?
biscayne
stehno
1,453 posts
 
Have you considered a very well built (30 lbs.) Sony DVP s9000es DVD/SACD/CD 2-channel unit for $899 new and then consider having it mod'ed by Stan Warren of SuperMods (co-founder of PS Audio) for $250.

If you turn off the display, the video, and the digital out, you will notice a significant improvement in performance.
ljgj
955 posts
 
In this price range you have seen that it is hard to find a great player without mods. Believe it or not a friend has the Adcom single disc player that I find to be extremely fast and natural sounding - it is solidly built and gives my Electrocompaniet a good run . I now only use the EC for a transport with the Kora Hermes DAC . It is a tube unit and brings redbook play to a better and more tolerable listening level. The Meridian you mention is also a very good unit. Maybe look into tube units.
artemus_5's avatar
artemus_5
412 posts
 
Theta Miles has these qualities. A used one is well within your range. I would love to a/b it against the 508-24 or Cary 303 but have not been able to do so. The Miles smoothed out a lot of cd's that were harsh on other cdp's.
jb7272
19 posts
 
Hey if you can up your budget a little I would go for a Mark Levinson No.37 . The quality will be there long after the price has been forgotten !!!!! I know I bought one and still am AMAZED by how GOOD this thing really is ! I have heard a lot of cd players but none has compared to the Levinson . If you have a DAC then this is the way to go !!!!! NO REGRETS HERE !!!! LEVINSON RULES !!!! Though they say that the Meridian is nice too so either one of these is the way to go !!! Players I have heard in my system ; Technics, Proceed , Panasonic , Toshiba, Theta . NONE come even 1/2 of what the Levinson does!!
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