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Best CD Player under 2k ?

I'm looking to upgrade my CD player. Budget is $2k. Am considering a used ARC CD-2 (can be had on Audiogon for $1700 or less) or a new Rega Jupiter. It's difficult to get a demo on an ARC CD-2, since it's no longer made. Has anyone out there listened extensively to these 2 machines ? I would be very interested in anybody's feedback who has done extensive listening to these 2 CD players. Thanks for your opinion.
PS If there are other serious contenders in this price range that are worthy of considering, please let me know.
mabonn
underwoodwally
66 posts
 
Check out the new Musical Fidelity A3.2CD. It is 85% as good as the Nuvista 3CD that is currently Stereophile Digital Product of the Year. It uses the same transport, upsampling DAC and Nuvista circuity, without the Nuvista tubes, as the $5000.00 NuVista 3CD. But is sells for only $1500.00. Amazingly good and a great value. Walter
greh
134 posts
 
Used Cary 303/100
matt413575
19 posts
 
So much depends on the rest of your system. Other options would include an Audio Note CD2.1x tubed CDP(around $1400 new). Another option out of the UK would be a used NAIM CDX (probably just over 2K) or CD3.5. I have never heard the AR CD2, but the new CD3 is an outstanding player.
mabonn OP
181 posts
 
Thanks for your input, Matt413575. The rest of my system is ARC LS-15 preamp, ARC VT100 Mk-II. My speakers are currently IMF Monitor Mk III (25 yrs old), but I will be replaceing them soon. My "short list" for speakers is: Triangle Celius, Living Voice Auditorium, or Sonus Faber Grand Piano Home.
matt413575
19 posts
 
I really like your choice of the AR gear. I have heard the AR CD3 in a similar all AR setup and Proac 3.8s. Truely awesome. I am by no means an expert, a novice is clearly a better discription. However, If this was my setup, I don't believe there would ever be a need to upgrade. It just sounded stunning. I suspect the CD2 would likely get you close to this. In addition you may want to add the Proacs, either 2.5 or 3.8 to your short list of speaker choices.
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