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CD Player advice request...

I am looking for something with the following attributes but don't want to spend over say $3000...(so a bit of each attribute is better than any significant weakness)
(1) fast tight bass
(2) full bodied in both male and vocals
(3) not exaggerated on the high freqs
(4) excellent timing...prefer clarity over artificial warmth
(5) good timbres
(6) and most importantly - reliability!!!!

I have nailed it down to:
(1) Rega Saturn
(2) Bryston BCD1
(3) Naim CD5xs

any comments on how these compare, and any other brands, would be greatly appreciated!
acdvd
hgeifman
2,135 posts
 
Have you considered a used Ayre CX-7e CD Player?
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,107 posts
 
Most any recent vintage, decent, jitter resistant vintage transport, CD or DVD player, or other digital source with digital output feeding an mhdt Constantine DAC could meet your requirements. I use a 4-5 year old Denon player/recorder that cost $600 originally with mine and have also used a 6 year old Marantz DVD (see my system listings). A used mhdt Constantine can be had for well under $500 used.

An mhdt Paradisea tube DAC might do it also but might be a tad warm for your requirements with the stock GE tube on many systems. Other model inexpensive replacement tubes can remedy that if needed.
acdvd OP
122 posts
 
Ayre and Gamut out of my price range...
My CD player is unreliable so a better integrated transport/DAC combo is my preference.
acdvd OP
122 posts
 
And something that is not at all laid back in the midrange as my speakers have a slight presence dip.
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
Having watched AudioGon the last few months, has the Gamut cd-3 at or below $3K.
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