Given that you want your cd player to sound similar to your analog rig, I wonder if you'll be happy with a Cambridge. I've owned a couple higher end Grados and the Cambridge house sound is not at all like Grados warm and comfy sound. Given your preferences, perhaps you'd find a Rega Apollo to your liking. Not sure if the software glitches that affected the first batch of latest generation Apollos has been corrected though. Also, if the Marantz Sa11 is a bit too spendy, the SA 15 is a good substitute I'd sure consider, within your range at used prices. MusicDirect has them on sale, marked down from $2k to $1400. It could be argued that all cd players in the price range discussed add or subract something. To expect neutrality at the $1k price point isn't realistic IMO. The one thing that worries me about cd players imported from China is the possibility of losing long term repair support for them if the importer's market position changes. Some companies have been pretty well established and wouldn't worry me too much, but others??? Do your research. Cd players have been the most trouble prone product category for me by far, so I'm leary.
More CD Player selection woes
I'm looking to replace the "weak link" in my system: A Denon DCD-1560 CD player. While its held its own over the years (being a 20-bit player and all), it is time for it to go.
I find my Well-Tempered Classic TT, EAR Phono Amp, and Grado cartridge to be my preferred setup, but I do want a CD player to come close to that sound. Of course, budget is all constraining so I need help deciding between a NEW Cambridge 840C; or one of those Chinese tube player; Cayin CDT 17A or Shanling etc.; or a USED/DEMO McIntosh MCD 201; or Meridian 208 (if I can find one).
Has anyone had experience with the Chinese models? How do they hold up?
Any help will be appreciated.
thanks
I find my Well-Tempered Classic TT, EAR Phono Amp, and Grado cartridge to be my preferred setup, but I do want a CD player to come close to that sound. Of course, budget is all constraining so I need help deciding between a NEW Cambridge 840C; or one of those Chinese tube player; Cayin CDT 17A or Shanling etc.; or a USED/DEMO McIntosh MCD 201; or Meridian 208 (if I can find one).
Has anyone had experience with the Chinese models? How do they hold up?
Any help will be appreciated.
thanks
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- 29 posts total
- 29 posts total