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Cd player w/ digital input + volume control $2500

Folks,

I'm looking for a CD player with digital input capability and also variable output (volume control). My goal would be to run directly into an amp as it will be the only source component in my system.

I have 1200 or so CD's so I need a player, but I also want to feed from a Sonos, hence the digital input.

I used to have a Cary 303/300 and really liked the sound from it, but it does not have the digital input unfortunately, if I recall correctly.

I figure if I can forego the preamp, I can justify going as high as $3000 for the unit. Used would be OK if it is a reliable product.

So, I'm looking for recommendations on a device in the same quality as the 303/300 or better that meets these requirements.

If there are none that will satisfy my preferences, I'll probably drop the variable output in favor of going to a preamp. The digital inputs must be available, however.

Any recommendations? It looks like none of the Current Cary products will meet these requirements. Darn, I wish the 303/300 had digital inputs.

Thanks,

---Michael
mjm6
mjm6 OP
43 posts
 
Good recommendations all.

I'll look into all and see what I can find.

I understand the sonos has a lot of jitter. Should I be looking for a re locking DAC? I do coincidentally have a monarchy dip 24/96 here...

---Michael
larryski2
37 posts
 
Sonos does have a lot of jitter. Nice thing about the Esoteric SA 50 is that it also reclocks, plus a lot of other nice features....and I've seen them sell here used for approx 3K. Check it out:

http://esoteric.teac.com/audio_players/sa-50/
bradz's avatar
bradz
229 posts
 
What is the amp and speakers you are using now and what type of sound are you looking for from a cdp? You may consider a Resolution Audio Opus 21 which has direct amp capability along with a digital input. I purchased a GNSC Opus 21 several years ago and been happy ever since. It is the closest to analog sound I've heard in my system from any cdp. My previous cdp was a Cary 303/100 which crapped out on me several years ago and the sound from what I remember was nice, but a very forward sounding cdp. Keep us up to date on what you decide.
ngjockey
1,042 posts
 
Audiolab 8200CDQ even has analog inputs and digital out. With a new generation of dithered digital volume control, which many have said surpasses it's option of analog volume control. Even balanced (XLR) output. About $1400.
mjm6 OP
43 posts
 
I've done a lot of research on all of this now, (but am no closer to an answer!).

I am heavily favoring a pair of Totem Fire speakers at the moment. The Earth speakers would be my preference, but I'm not sure about the cost of those. Anyway, for amplification, I am leaning toward a McIntosh MC275 or something similar. Not sure about a preamp yet.

What I don't like is the edginess of cheaper digital, I wold also prefer less detail in favor of listenability in general. I plan to use the system a lot at times, it will be in a room of the house where it will supply background music for my darkroom, and my darkroom sessions can go on for hours...

Because of this, I have been considering NOS DACs. The upsampling DACs seem to have better detail, but some people find them a bit strident, and edgy. That is exactly not what I want. The new Totem speakers could also be somewhat unforgiving in this respect as well, because the have more of an attack to them that their previous speakers.

All of this has me thinking of something like a MHDT Havana or possibly the Audio GD Reference 7.1 (although that one is really pushing my budget). Maybe the EE unit as well.

I think I am going to abandon idea of a CD player/DAC combo device. I have one I can use into the DAC, and I guess I'd rather not be putting money into that technology anymore.

Bradz, The Opus is one that I have considered. They get rave reviews for sure, and I guess I need to rethink that a bit.

Ngjockey, I've read some good things about the Audiolab gear, so I'll look into it a bit more.
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