Best CD player under $5K?

Hey Mrtennis, when it comes to tube-based CDP's I'm not necessarily the one to ask since I've always managed to do well by solid state (at least so far, anyway). Although I've considered tubes in the past for a variety of gear, for me it has not yet come down to purchasing any, so I have no direct comparisons there.

Hi Kiwi, I do indeed recall that the 840c turned lots of heads when it came out. But, what I later found that looked even more intriguing was Mr Sprey's (Mapleshade) mod for the DacMagic which is said to use the same DAC stage as the 840c. The mod provides what is likely a badly needed upgrade for the power supply (and the stock power supply looks to be only real criticism ever leveled at the 840c) and adds a better AC cord and vibration control as well. Looks like for $800 you can get what promises to offer sound that improves upon the, like you say, already excellent 850c. I have to wonder how good it would indeed sound hooked up to a good music server. I believe Mr. Sprey to be another one of those good modders, but I myself have only tried some of his wiring products (which I'm very happy with) and not his electronics yet.

Hi Ivan,

I owned an Cambridge Audio 840C for several years and thought very highly of it. I remember auditioning many more expensive players at the time of purchase but the 840C held its own and then some. Outstanding resolution for a $1500 player. Like most CD players tweaking improved it further. I used a Nordost Vishnu power cord and mounted it on Eben Cold Rays. I've not heard the tweaked DacMagic so cant comment on it. It might use the same DAC but does it also incorporate the 32-bit Analog Devices Black Fin DSP or the Q5 upsampling from Anagram?

Just noticed where Mr. Sprey now offers an upgrade program for the 840c for $700.

I am a little wary on upgrade programs for CD Players. Some leave the player sounding 'different' rather than 'better'.