next CD Player

01-13-09: Learsfool
I would also say that you are not going to get that much more quality in the
digital world without spending a very large amount of money on a completely
different type of set-up.

I doubt you have ever heard a Modwright Sony 999ES Platinum with tube
power supply. Otherwise, you wouldn't have made this statement. About $1500
used (or less).

A resolving system will expose the benefits of a player like the Modwright. If
one's system is not highly resolving, then a lesser CD player will be perfectly
sufficient.

Hi Tvad - no, I have not heard the Modwright, nor the PrimaLuna tubed CD player, either, which I have also heard is great. These tubed players would be interesting to hear. I do, however, have very high efficiency speakers which are very revealing of any deficiencies in source components or material. I chose the Rega Apollo because of their efforts to make it sound as analog-like as possible, and it certainly does come closer to that than all of the other (non-tubed) CD player I have heard, including several that cost thousands more, hence the comment I made.

I just bought a used Cary 306/200 and I have the same amp as you do. For about 1500 used this cd player just makes the music right with the DK integrated. I was blown away by the Cary. I have used the Sony and the Berendsen CDP II and the Cary is in a different league. It makes you want to play music all day.

Good luck.