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Linn Unidisk or Musical Fidelity kW SACD or ???

OK, at the risk of starting a fire I can't control, I am looking for thoughtful advice and input before I buy my next digital source.

I am driving B&W 803Ds with McIntosh (SS) gear. I am in the market for a new CD/SACD player and have scoured the net for reviews, specs, etc. I have been focusing on the Linn Unidisk 2.1 (maybe the 1.1) and the MF kW SACD. My local dealer expects to have audition samples of each in the near future for me. Obviously, I will give both a try and see how they sound in my system. Nonetheless, at the risk of coloring my own perceptions, I am interested in hearing reactions from others to help sharpen my critical listening. For example, some have commented that Linn's Unidisks tend to be smooth, but a bit weak in the bass. This is useful for me to know because it helps to focus my attention.

I am also interested to hear if there are other players that other members think I should seriously add to my list (Accuphase? dCS? Etc.). SACD is a must; DVD-A is a plus, though I wonder whether these universal machines are trying to do too much. My budget is around $7K, but I will go up to $11K if performance justifies it.

This does not have to turn into a "my cdp crushes everyone else's cdp." What I am hoping to get here are "reasonably" objective comments -- based on first hand listening -- about the strengths and weaknesses of the Linn, Musical Fidelity and other CD/SACD players.

Thanks, in advance, to any who jump in and share their thoughts.

T
tin_ears
simon74
216 posts
 
Hi there,
I have a Nu-Vista (for about 3 years) and it really comes close to my vinyl which is pretty much all I ask of the format given it's undoubted convenience(especially when alcohol enters the equation).
I have never heard the newer MF players but imagine they will be nice.
Very impressed by my friends Naim player (2nd from top of the line). Sounds like my Nu-vista but better bass and very detailed and supposedly taken to another level by the dedicated psu.
Gryphon players are nice and people whom I respect reckon the Linn CD12 is fabulously 'vinyl like' but it's to dear for my budget.
I have found Musical Fidelity gear to be reliable over many years of use.
Hope this helps a bit.
Si
tin_ears OP
20 posts
 
Si,
Thanks! This is exactly the type of info I need. I would like to add Naim to my audition list, but I don't think any of their gear can play SACD. If you were in the market for a new player, would you stay with MF, or would you look for something with more bass and detail?
steve1674
2 posts
 
Just went thru the same quest. I believe the answer to your search is the Classe Omega SACD 2. The price +- $7,000 and the unit is beyond superb. I have an ARC Ref 2 preamp and Atma-sphere amp. Every nuance is there without the dryness. I have a highend analog system, this unit tops it. It is simply a the most enjoyable experiance I've had with my setup. I've auditioned the Lnn, Music Fidelity, Esoteric and Wadia......the Classe is the one for me.
tin_ears OP
20 posts
 
Steve,

Thanks for mentioning the Classe unit. I was just trying to do a little research on it, but have not found much. How would you assess the Classe's imaging, etc. as compared to the other units (Linn, Esoteric, MF)? I have been frustrated in the past with players that seemed to do a poor job throwing a wide soundstage and holding images in place (maybe it's just my ears, but some players seem to cause the musicians to "move" around the stage, and I am pretty sure they aren't doing this while recording). Can you tell me a little more about what you found when you auditioned the Linn, Esoteric and MF players?
Thanks!
bsal
41 posts
 
Also check out Ayre's new Cx5e Universal Player just reviewed in Stereophile. Ayre makes excellent products across the board and has first rate customer service. They also stand behind and their support their gear (and customers) with upgrades to existing units instead of rolling out new "breakthrough" pieces every year like MF does.
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