1. Home
  2. digital
  3. 1304716405

Warm CD player for older CDs with digital glare?

If this was my main criteria for a CD player, possibly because I have a 2nd more highly resolved player for better recordings, what would you recommend?
When an upper midrange (or sometimes mid-midrange) note is strong on some redbook discs, it can go "over the top" and sound like glare, and I don't like that at all.

I have read that the Meridian 808.3 (or .2) is a warm player and that its aprodising filter (sp?) helps with "pre-ringing"
(is that what I'm hearing on vocals that soar into painful territory on redbook discs since the dawn of digital?)
So is the Meridian a candidate?

Someone mentioned Alex's big NWO player to me, or
the Ayon 5.

Thanks in advance.
rgs92
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I use a tube preamp just as a glorified 'tube buffer' between my DAC and regular preamp.
It 'fixes' those pesky problem discs, yet is not too damaging the good discs, and so becomes a one size fits all solution for me.
I use a VAC Standard tube preamp for my 'special' tube buffer. A bit over the top for a buffer, but it does a great job.
timrhu
2,778 posts
 
Watch for a Resolution Audio CD50 to come up for sale. When you see one don't hesitate as they usually sell pretty quick.
Another option would be a Bel Canto Dac2. The two smoothest sounding digital products I've heard.
jedinite24's avatar
jedinite24
1,502 posts
 
When I had it I thought the Pioneer Elite PD D9 J was a warm sounding SACD/CD player.
rgs92 OP
958 posts
 
OK, thanks everyone again.
bobheinatz
479 posts
 
You might want to check out the Rega Isis. 5 years in development from a company that made its name in analog. Most audiophiles won't consider the Isis because of their reputation of budget value oriented gear. If you are looking to impress your audio buddy's buy a Esoteric but if you want music check out the Isis. Most high priced cdp's do have that digital glare like EMM Labs & Esoteric. The Isis has that analog sound, also check out Burmester belt driven 001 & 089.
More to discover