Arcam CD73t or Rega Planet 2000

Sandaman, where can you get these cd players for $400 new? That is a great deal! I have heard the Rega and was very impressed with its detail and overall non-fatigueing listening experience. I hear that the new Rega Apollo is much better sounding than both of these, but it will set you back $1000.

Roger.

I have owned both players at various times: they are both truly excellent. If you could swing it, purchase both and sell the one you care for least -- I doubt you would lose any money here.

Sonically, the Planet is very, very smooth and laid back. The Arcam fishes out more detail and dynamics, but at the expense of musicality (sounds much more digital). Again, either way they both are excellent, especially for the price offerred you!

oops, not new, $400 used

I would personally go with the Rega Planet 2000. I have auditoned both. But if you have the upgrade bug, I found the Rega Planet 2000 to be able to keep up better with higher grade gear. I.e. in a medium budget set-up (e.g. NAD/Arcam/Rotel/Marantz-type) both will give very good performance. I repeated the test connected to higher grade gear in the form of a Conrad Johnson CAV 50. The Rega really started to shine. In fact, oddly enough the Arcam CD72 sounded better (i.e. more musical as opposed to mechanical sounding) than the Arcam CD73 ! I looked to the dealer for some explanation: he just shrugged his shoulders.

I know have a Rega 2000 feeding a Conrad CAV 50 and Totem Model 1 speakers.