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Advice from vinyl types on a good CD player

I am interested in some suggestions for a good CD player from people that have an audiophile vinyl setup. I have a VPI TNT with ARC phono ref and ref 1. I just can't get into listening to CD's even though I have several thousand. I've tried an ARC CD1 and thought it sounded like crap. I've auditioned some higher end players from Levinson etc and they've all left me cold. I bought a DVD player that also played SACD's and I was impressed with the Elton John SACD's. They were obviously well remastered and had a sound closer to vinyl. I don't want to get into the whole CD vs vinyl debate. So if you have a vinyl setup and a CD setup I'd appreciate your thoughts. Thanks.
ntscdan
starcon
98 posts
 
I have 2 a meridian 596 and a esoteric sa-60 both very musical. The other that I would purchase is the ayre universal player. After these you go way up in price and there are many musical players. Vinyl is still better.
beerdraft
198 posts
 
I was told in a thread similar to this a while back to try the cdp202 from classe. I bought it. I love it. I was not listening to cd's due to sound before this. My TT is the mcintosh MT10. My friend came over today to listen to my setup for the first time and he was blown away by the cdp. He said to me several songs we listened to was the best he'd heard them on any kind of format, sacd, vinyl included. Couldn't believe a red book cd could sound that good. He has thousands of albums and has the top of the line vpi rig, very nice system he has. I was thrilled with his compliment of my system.

beerdraft
ghanson
53 posts
 
Like Starcon, I have a Rega Apollo, a musical player. Superficially is sounds more analog-like than many cd players- more smooth and melodic. But try as I might -and I have heard many cd players, always hoping I can make life easier- I have yet to find one that involves me on as many levels as a turntable can. Very sad, because if one did exist for me I'd happily spend the money.
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albertporter
4,927 posts
 
I have yet to find one that involves me on as many levels as a turntable can. Very sad, because if one did exist for me I'd happily spend the money.

I've been searching for the perfect CD player for 20 years, I've owned or auditioned about 75 of them I guess. I don't think the problem exists because the hardware guys are not trying hard enough. ItÂ’s the Redbook format (CD).

I'm looking forward to ultra high resolution downloads direct to computer. It will eventually happen, and when it does the quality will smoke CD's and we can all rejoice in the digital revolution.
greeni
92 posts
 
Resolution Audio Opus 21
Naim CDPs
These come close to vinyl in terms of tonality.
The Opus needs DIN to RCA interconnects to sound its best.
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