What's Absolute Best Upsampling CD Player $2K-$3K?

I agree with the EMC 1-UP SE suggestion. I also owned the Spider Clamp and found it's value questionable over the stock clamp. Proof of this is found circumstantially in the fact that no other manufacturer of a top loading, puck/clamp based transport is offering a "spider" type clamp. In my opinion, the Spider Clamp was an attempt by Electrocompaniet to stretch the profits of the EMC 1-UP SE CD player.

Nevertheless, the stock EMC 1-up SE is a terrific value.

Nevertheless, Raquel, the poster asked about upsampling CD players.

Electrocompaniet is now part of WestControl, so it is has undergone a transformation and is not out of business.

Electrocompaniet/WestControl.

I have owned the EMC 1-UP SE in its stock form and in its Empirical Audio modified version. I have owned half a dozen other world-class CD/Universal players that are upsamplers and non-upsamplers. The best I've found thus far is the APL Denon 3910. It's interesting to note that Alex Peychev originally sold his APL Denon 3910 as a non-upsampling machine and now sells it as a 24 bit/ 88.2kHz upsampling machine because he believes it sounds better.

If you really want to experience upsampling vs. non-upsampling for around $2000, I'd suggest taking a look at the Stello DA220 DAC for $1195 NEW and an Empirical Audio modified Sony DVP-S7700 (approx. $850). For around $2000, you'll have a state-of-the-art upsampling (or non-upsampling) redbook playback system. What could be better than the ability to choose?

Well, Tekhifi, since you've dropped the upsampling criteria, your question has basically expanded into a "best $2000-$3000 CD player" thread. There are dozens of existing threads on that topic. I'd suggest a thread search.

The stock EC has a natural, organic sound. Define what you mean by tube sound vs. neutral sound. Specifically define the term "tube" and "neutral". "Tube" sound has as many definitions as snow in Alaska. A classic CJ tube amp does not sound like a VAC amp, yet both are tube circuits.

You'll lose dollars on a modified player upon re-sale, but the value of the performance boost you gain during ownership of a modified player may outweigh the monetary loss upon re-sale. Mostly, your decision on a stock vs. modified player must largely rest upon whether you plan to keep the modified player for at least two years, or whether you expect to sell it in a short time period. The reason modified CD players drop dramatically when re-sold is directly tied to the drop in value of stock players. Digital technology advances extremely quickly, and therefore CD players are soon replaced with new-and-improved models. It's tough to win the digital re-sale battle on any front. The benefit of modified players is they can provide (or surpass) the performance of stock players costing two or three times more.

Here's my short answer to your question: APL modified Philips SACD1000 with the latest DAC and Upsampler mods. They are usually avaliable for $2000-$2200.

Germanboxers,thanks for the correction. Funny enough,a month ago Alex would have said he preferred 88.2kHx oversampling. Next week he may find something new to change/prefer. He's constantly evolving his modifications to the benefit of us all.

Here we go...!