To my ears,the BCD-1 got me closer to the sound of real instruments.I auditioned Arcams top cdp(can't remember the mod#
and believe it or not Audioresearch CD-7(and that's the one I
wanted to buy(8000.00)I spent around 3 hrs with the three units(and they all had some hrs. on them.They were all connected to a Audio research preamp,so going from one to the other was almost instantaneous.Everybody,I think hears(listens
differently)Me I really like listening to the sound of bottom end,bass,kick drum ,ect and how they sound TO ME in real life.
and also the highs mids ect.The BCD-1 did it for me and I saved a pile of coin,which I bought another sub.
Sometimes we think(to much) we can hear or we try to hear
a difference,especially with products costing thousands more,it must be better.I like when a component lets you hear without thinking.I trust my ears as I'm the one who has to listen to what I purchased for hrs. on end.The trouble is
I REALLY WANTED THE CD-7.I'm more than happy musically with
the BCD-1.
I'd audition as many cdps as you can and take your time
use your own music that you are really familiar with and
TRUST YOUR EARS.