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Dedicated CD Player Recommendation

Hi All,

Feel free to check out my virtual system to see my full system. In a nutshell, I've got an EAD CD-1000, Bryston BP-20, Bryston 4-NRB, and PMC LB-1 loudspeakers. I've got a small 9x9 room and listen to the PMCs nearfield. Last year, I added an inexpensive universal player, Pioneer 563a, and a turntable, Rega P-25, to the system. These, along with some aging ears, have exposed limitations with the CD-1000. Specifically, the treble glare is driving me nuts. The player has tons of detail along with articulate bass, but sounds a bit harsh with most female vocalists or strident recordings. I can throw the same disc into the Pioneer player and lose the glare. While it overall doesn't sound as good as the CD1000, it's a lot easier on my ears.

I've had a chance to audition a variety of players from Arcam, Jolida, Primare, Rega, and Simaudio. Of sub-$1200 players, the Jolida and Rega Planet had a nice smooth sound, but lacked the detail I've come to expect. At the higher price points, the Arcam CD-33 is very nice, but the Simaudio Equinox really grabbed my ears. I haven't brought it home for an audition yet. I would like to hear some other recommendations for players to look at new or used under $2500. I'd really like to hear from any other Bryston/PMC owners what players have great synergy in your system.

Thanks,
Erik
proggy
clio09
2,978 posts
 
I own an Alesis ML9600 which I use as a transport with my Audio Mirror D-1 DAC. Cost me about $2200 for this set-up. Before that I too was impressed with the SimAudio Moon Equinox and nearly bought a new one for $1850 (Audiogon member, if you're interested email me for the name). I also was impressed with the Benchmark DAC paired with a CEC TLZ-51 transport ($2200 total).

Have fun auditioning.
lush
262 posts
 
If you want to reduce all digital glare to the point of it sounding much like LP I'd strongly consider a John Wright modded Museatex Bitstream DAC. Worst case scenerio is you don't like it, you could sell it within hours of posting it back on Audiogon. Most people that use them hold onto them for life...that's something special in this hobby.
artg
362 posts
 
You could easily pick up a used Meridian 508.24 which would be an enormous improement, really a wonderful cdp.
dmitrydr
221 posts
 
As per what you explained you really like a clean and detailed sound. I'd say go SimAudio, I've got their Nova for almost two years, and it's just a fantastic player. While there are many players with soft, velvety sound, if you're about cleaness - SimAudio is the one.
glai's avatar
glai
442 posts
 
I too was changing CD players for treble glare. I have owned the ayre cx7 and the treble was so sharp that i can't stay in the room with violins. The solution was power filtration with hydra & elrod pc. Glare was actually subtle variations and texture in the music that was obscured by noise.
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