CD Player recommendations for a SET system

Thanks Tvad, I appreciate it, really.

There are A LOT of people on this forum with only a small % of them offering up some thoughts (I am guilty of that too). So I don't think it's very sportsman like for others to sit back and pick at the members who do share their experiences and ideas on issues. If I had 6k for a CD player I'd look at the Apple. But I got 2-3K and your recommendations are exactly what is helpful to me.

Anyone else?

You may be asking too much from a front end. I don't think changing it is
going to make up for the limitations of your SET amplifier, which you've
described very well. I don't think putting a different front-end will necessarily
make more complex and layered dynamic music sound any less congested.
That is a very typical shortcoming of SET amplification. If you want to invest
some money into your system to get more enjoyment from that type of
music, why not add an alternative amplifier that excels in the areas SET is
lacking? For 2K you can get a nice integrated amp, or power amp, to use in
place of your SET amp(s) and you may find a whole other kind of enjoyment
from that music. I think the difference that direction might offer will probably
be more profound, in this case, than a change in the front end, which it looks
like is already pretty good (you listed a Droplet on your System Page, but
mention and older Sony here in the thread?). Don't get me wrong, I think the
front end is absolutely vital, but I don't think it's the culpret in your specific
quandry. Just a thought.

PS I'm not a "SET expert", but I do play one on TV

Marco

Between this and your other thread, it sounds like we're talking about two different issues. One is that the sound is congested, and you want an improvement in dynamics--which you would surely hear with a higher wattage amplifier. The other is that you want better instrument separation and more space in the music, which in my experience is the principal thing that separates a great CDP from a good one. I have yet to hear a mid-level CDP that doesn't collapse the tracks during complex passages.

So, I guess it's time for extreme audio make-over...

I submit marketing campaigns are put on by people usually with zero to very low feedback. Look again please at the feedback from those that responded favorably toward the ModWright unit.
I agree one should always "consider the source".
Good listening!

the Naim CD5x should warm things up.