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Primare CD31 with 1704 chip

Hi

I'm attempting to purchase a moderately priced redbook cd player. ($2-3k)

Especially after reading the Lessloss website's manifesto it seems as if the 1704 chip is a real winner. Ofcourse I understand that total design of a cd player is the most important aspect. However, I also "think" the dac chip is tantamount to the overall success of the design.

I recently tripped over the Primare CD31 and it has the 1704 chip. The specs seem to be ok.

Does anyone have experience with the CD31 or can someone enlighten me regarding how important the dac chip really is?

Thanks

jackiejr
jackiejr
timrhu
2,778 posts
 
I haven't heard the CD-31 but here is a very thorough review by Stereophile.
audioconnection
1,015 posts
 
We use the Primare CD 31 with the Proac loudspeakers with wonderfully enjoyable results.
jackiejr's avatar
jackiejr OP
16 posts
 
Thanks for the replies.

I'll continue searching.

I'm having a difficult time pulling the trigger. Maybe I should stay with cd's ripped to hard drive. It's sometimes easier to just play a cd though.

Respectfully,

jackiejr
xti16
1,495 posts
 
I too came very close to purchasing the cd31. Very nice unit. But I did go for a more expensive player. I did get the meridian G08 (twice the price). A little more musical in my opinion. The Primare was my second choices. The Esoteric SA-10 was my 3rd choice. I would let your 'ears' deciede what sounds best and not look at specs. Take your time.

Have you considered used? Meridian would be right in your price range along with the Esoteric.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
1,457 posts
 
Have you considered the Bryston BCD-1? IMHO it's the leader in the price range you specified.

I listened to the CD31 and thought it very good. Very listenable over the long term. Similar feelings about the Naim CD5x. But--admittedly in another system--I prefered the Cambridge 840c to both of those (more air), and then the Bryston to the Cambridge. Bryston=more robust, and a (cliche alert!) veil being lifted.

More than the differences between chips, I'm coming to the conclusion that the (certainly a) crucial element for CD players is how the analog output stages are handled, after all the decoding, and in this the Bryston is second to none.
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