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"Best" of the "Universal" players ???.

For CD sound primarily.

I want "super" CD sound; but would much prefer the machine be universal.(I don't want to sacrifice much at all in CD sound to the very best CD only players. However I realize my isolation & conditioning technigues will enable my sound to surpass that of the finest CD player(Spectral?) in some other less refined system)
I tend to feel the Esoteric machines are likely 'best' and the "safest" bet for long term reliability or factory support with parts/upgradability.
Are there any other "universal" machines I should consider?
psacanli
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
IMHO, based on limited searching and listening to alternatives, there are several CD/SACD players that will likely top your Spectral, but no universal player. However, you can buy the Playback Designs MPS-5 and an Oppo or Pioneer DV-58AV to use as a transport through the PD's DAC and then you'll have it all. (In fact, that's what I've done). If you don't already own DVD-As, then I'd recommend against a universal for two-channel and just stick with CD/SACD.

Dave
psacanli OP
535 posts
 
So Dave, could you name the 'several' for me? Thanks
jim_swantko
301 posts
 
I owned the Linn Unidisk 1.1 and thought it was very good but not quite as detailed as I needed for the rest of my system. I ended up with an Esoteric DV-50 and am very happy with it.

I do not think it was nearly as well built as the Esoteric and did suffer from an occasional glitch.

If you like the Esoteric sound I'd stick with them.
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
Playback Designs, Emm, dCS, modded Esoteric and modded Denon come to mind.

Dave
tvad
9,467 posts
 
APL NWO 3.0 GO is a true universal player based on the Esoteric X-01. I believe
it's $30k.

I own an APL Denon 3910, which offers much of the NWO 3.0 for significantly
less. Used examples can sometimes be found for under $4k. Have the laser
replaced (since this tends to be the most common problem with the 3910) and
you're good to go.
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