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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
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.
hotbird
61 posts
 
One more brand to add
Accustic Arts Universal Player
Specs at
http://www.accusticarts.de/pages/en/surround_player_i_fr.html
A review at
http://www.accusticarts.de/pages/en/reviews/hifi_choice_2007_11.html
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
Hmm, interesting, Hotbird.

Is the Accustic Arts available in the USA? If so, what's it's price in dollars? Have you heard one?

Dave
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