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Is there a cd player that sounds close to an LP?

I am not sure what to do at this point. My system sounds great when I play my turntable.
I have a Marantz CD-67SE CD player, not high end by any means, but not a bad lower end player, so I thought. When I play CDs the brightness actually hurts my ears when I turn the volume up a bit.
I have been considering buy new cables for the speakers, maybe control this brightness, MIT T2's. Then was thinking, hate to ruin the sound I currently have from my platter. The highs and bass are perfect.
I have been considering buying an older tube CD player, in search of a warmer sound. I am thinking an Anthem CD1, a Conrad Johnson DV2B, maybe a Sonic Frontiers SFCD1. Not really sure what to buy.
Am I on the right track? I hate to change the sound of my system for CD's, and take away from the sound of my lp's.
Is there really a CD player out there that sounds even close to a LP? Maybe one that I might be able to pick up used for about a grand?
Any suggestions here, sure appreciate it!

Thank you.
johnymac
erider
39 posts
 
Don't waste your money. There is no CD player I have heard that "sounds like" the an LP played on a well adjusted turntable. Even the most modest turntable set-ups will knock the socks of the most expensive CD players - and I have heard some highly touted ones which cost as much a small house. It alway amazes to see the lengths people go to to make CDs sould more lifelike - sticks and stones, black boxes, glues, polishes, rings, markers, magic potions and snake oil and still the lowly LP sound far better. Sure, it is inconvenient, the click and pops are annoying, the medium is hard to come by, but boy does it takes your breath away !!!

I disagree with Tater, I have many recordings in both the CD format and LPs and the LP definitely sound better. My suggestion is to buy a used Jolida or even a much older California Audio Lab CD player. Preferably a CD player with a volume control that allows you to bypass the preamp. Hook it up directly to a power amp and let it rip. This is the best you can do with the use of external gizmos, vodoo, magic potions etc.
twl
3,251 posts
 
It all comes down to sound quality vs convenience.
lafish
151 posts
 
China made Original Leonardo da Vinci

I have ever listen it in HiFi show in China, very very LP feel. Especially parting with tube amp.
mmowry
23 posts
 
You might want to try a CAL Alpha or Sigma II DAC. The tubed output stage takes the edge off of CDs. Both can be purchased for next to nothing these days (Alpha around $400, Sigma II around $200 used). If you don't want to use your Marantz CDP as a transport, the CAL Delta transport will run you around $300 used.
a_e_watkins
105 posts
 
Hi Johnny Mac

I'll throw in my 2-cents worth here, only because I used to own the Marantz CD-67SE. I used this unit for a short time with and without the Musical Fidelity DX-10, and this is just a shrill sounding unit, period. I have no axes to grind with Marantz but I, like you, couldn't stand the sound.

While there are no CD Players (that I have heard) that match LP sound, there are some that come a lot closer to this end. I have since used 3 or 4 different players and all have been much closer to this sound.

If at all posible, try to listen to one before you buy, if not good luck and good listening.

Regards,
AEW
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