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Best CD Player for Classical Music?

I realize that a CD player that is good for classical is good for anything, but the reason I was specific is because the classical section of my CD collection is the fastest growing section. And not being very familiar with classical music I rarely heard it live. But now I'm going to more concerts and I'm looking for a CD player that can get me close to what I'm hearing live.

To be more specific, most of my classical listening has been through my system and not live. But when I hear it live it sounds softer, smoother, and flows more naturally. It sounds effortless, unforced, more relaxed. I then realize how "hard" sounding classical music sounds through my system. It may be that it's digital that makes it sound hard, but I'm not going analog right now so please stick with the CD player recs : )

I'm looking for something for my headphone system. My headphone amp, a Grace 901, is a highly resolving amp so a quality source really shines through. My favorite instruments are the cello, violin and piano and I would prefer to find a CD player that excels at making these sound natural. I'd also like something that is not too forward.

Maybe I'm crazy thinking I can find what I'm looking for in a CD player, but please let me know if you have any recommendations. I'd like to find it if possible. Thanks.
budrew
budrew OP
467 posts
 
Jdaniel, What SACD player do you have? Chamber and solo music is my
main interest. I know there is a growing catalog of SACD classical titles.

My first experience with live classical music, and how sweet it can be,
was at Davies Symphony Hall where there was a performance of Arvo
part's work some years ago.
jdaniel18ee
88 posts
 
I have the Marantz SA-14 version 2. I find that the benefits of SACD are most impressive in large-scale orchestral music. I can *barely* hear a difference in chamber and solo music. If you like the latter, maybe SACD isn't necessary. (I should point out that the Marantz is a two-channel only.)
springbok10
711 posts
 
Did you compare the Marantz to any other SACD players?
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
The wadia is a very good choice but for your taste in classical music you might also check out EMM and Audio Aero. Emm is too new and diccicult to audition but you can probably find an Audio Aero. I tested it against the Wadia and I bought the Capitole Mark II from Audio Aero. For less money the Audio Aero Prima might just be your ticket.
jdaniel18ee
88 posts
 
Did I compare the Marantz to other players? No. I wanted a 2 channel player, which meant either the Marantz at 3K, the Krell at 4K, or the Classe at 8K. The press has been mixed on the Krell, and I must say I was never thrilled with the looks! (I couldn't afford it anyway, and yes, I know looks are not supposed to matter.) Being that the Marantz was the only one I could afford, it made the decision easy. There were also some good reports on the Marantz version 1 regarding its 16 bit and SACD playback. I'm just glad now that I can get back to listening to the MUSIC.
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