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Advice needed re: new CD player purchase

Hello everyone. New member but long-time lurker here. My system: Bryston 4B-ST amp, Bryston BP25 preamp, and Meridian 508.24 CD player (all purchased in 1998 and all performing flawlessly), Kimber KCAG balanced interconnects, Audioquest speaker cable, and Esoteric power cords. I have Thiel CS2.4 loudspeakers.

I have about 4500 CDs (about 3% of which are hybrid SACDs). I love my system, but I want a new CD player. Am I right to think that advances in audio technology over the last 24 years have left my Meridian in the dust, sonically speaking? So I have been looking at various players. A few parameters: I will only buy new; I want XLR outputs; and I’d prefer to not spend over 5k.

I’m looking hard at the Bryston BCD-3, and the Technics SL-G700. Having owned Bryston products now for almost 24 years, I’m extremely impressed by their build quality and performance. However, the BCD-3 is not an SACD player. I’ve read a few solid reviews of the Technics, but I’m suspicious of their long-term reliability. There are no dealers where I live or within 200 miles. I looked at the Marantz line, and their only player with balanced outputs is the SA-10, which I’ve heard is awesome but I’m unwilling, at this point, to pay $7500 (although my mind is not closed on the matter).

Anyone here have either the Bryston or the Technics player? Will I notice a marked improvement with a new player (as compared to my 508.24)? Like most of you, this is my life. After work, I listen 2-3 hours per day, sometimes more on weekends. Thanks in advance for your advices.
jeroboam
yyzsantabarbara
4,874 posts
 

I would keep my eye on this link for CD players.

CD Players & CD Transports Used and New Classifieds : Buy, Sell and Trade in America - US Audio Mart

 

BTW - I am listening to a 20 year old Sony SCD-1 SACD/CD as I type this playing CD of Santana’s Moonflower. What a great disc player. Especialy after the mods I did to it. I need to listen more to this player.

 

phillyb's avatar
phillyb
402 posts
 

Marantz SA-10. Replaced my Esoteric K-01 and I never looked back it is that good. 

marty46127
4 posts
 

Highly recommend the Technics SL-G700.  Picked one up 4 weeks ago.   Build quality and hardware operation is excellent.  Operating software fair / good - requires a google install.  Sound quality if not reference, is damn near it on all discs SACD, Redbook and CD-MQA.  Streaming quality on Tidal MQA is phenomenal. My setup is centered around a Yamaha RX-A8 preamp using balanced inputs, PS Audio Stellar 300 amp, Martinlogan 60XTi main speakers and a Martinlogan Dynamo 1600 sub.
 

Hi bitrate MQA Tidal streams from this source sounds every bit as warm/musical as vinyl with zero noise, amazing dynamics and soundstage.  Won't be disappointed with this unit at all if you can deal with clunky software.  

jeroboam OP
24 posts
 

Well, I bought the Bryston BCD-3. Purchase was based on the opinions of owners; my own experience with Bryston products; and lots of reading and the exchanging of thoughts with multiple audio dealers. I'll provide a full report when I have a chance to finally listen, but the consensus of those with whom I spoke is that the BCD-3 is on a par with players that cost 10 times as much. And, Bryston will stand behind this product in the extremely unlikely event that there are problems. Thanks, all, for your comments and ideas.

ghdprentice
7,027 posts
 

Congratulations. Look forward to hearing your comments.

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