Feedback on Doge 6 CD Player?

Hi Chayro,
IHBME,on the used market plenty can touch it and do.

Regards,

That's a very valuable post, Montejay. The OP can sit around and guess which ones you are talking about.

Thank you both for your responses. I've read and enjoyed both of your component reviews, and appreciate you taking the time to respond. I already spend too much time sitting around wondering about audio equipment, so I won't add guessing to the activity list. I think Montejay is referring to the Electrocompaniet and Esoteric players he had recommended, anyway. This has given me a lot of food for thought.

I have heard one of Electrocompaniet's players at a local dealer, although I'm uncertain of the model, and thought it sounded fantastic. And I've heard Esoteric at RMAF and had the same favorable impressions. But those are outside of my budget parameters new and I'm not too keen on making a used purchase of a CD player. Whether of not this is foolishness on my part, I would like the support of a warranty in case I have any problems.

Given that parameter, would either of you recommend anything else? I'm actually considering just updating my DAC first and running an old CD player through it to forestall any decision on a new CD player, but the notion of the tube output stage on the Doge 6 intrigued me. I know I could just buy a tube buffer or a DAC with tubes like those made by MHDT or Eastern Electric, but I was pretty taken with the quality of the Doge 8 unit I already own and thought their CD might offer similar sound and value relative to competing models at the same price point. Would either of you be able to/mind answering a few questions?

1. Where would you rate the Doge compared to something like a new Sony XA5400ES or a one of the newer Oppo units? I could always have them updated by Modwright down the road and see further improvement, but in their stock forms where would you say they stand in relation to the Doge 6?

2. Do either of you have any experience with any of the AH! Njoe Tjoeb units? Or Jolida or Cayin tubed units? Or Cary or Primaluna tubed units? I'm asking because I'm curious where the Doge rates in relation to other tubed units that have been well received and well reviewed? I understand that the Cary and Primaluna units are outside of the parameters that I've established for myself.

3..What do you think of the actual quality of the Doge 6, in terms of durability and construction? Does the transport seem well made or flimsy? Aside from the sound in your system, how does it compare to other units you've experienced?

Thanks so much for your time and consideration in offering feedback and answering questions. It is much appreciated.

Unlike most people here, I will not give you an opinion on gear I've never owned. In my system, I found the Doge6 far superior to the 5400 in the areas that matter to me. The Doge is well-built and the transport is a standard plastic CD transport found in many, many players, including the Ear Acute and the Ayre. They don't look like much, but they do last. Look, you seem like a serious person and I appreciate you wanting to know you're doing the right thing, but nobody could possibly A/B all the players you have listed there. The Doge is good, the Sony is good. I have a $189 Oppo that's good too. The Doge gives you 30 day money back and US support. Try that with your used Electrocompaniet. You're buying a CD player. It's not going to last a lifetime, unless you're very old. Stop anguishing over this and buy something.

HAHA! Point taken. The truth is that I really want the Doge, and was hoping somebody would say something that would talk me out of it. You've failed miserably at that. Thanks, Chayro! I really do appreciate it.