The Sony XA-5400ES is pretty tough to beat in the sub $2k price range. I love mine.
As with anything, whether you can hear a difference (and whether it's "worth it") with a pricier player depends on how good the rest of your system is, associated components, the kind of music you listen to, what qualities you're looking for, etc. Let's face it, a crap redbook CD is still going to be crap on a $40k player, though maybe a bit more tolerable.
There's no one right choice. Plenty of debate about what's "best" on this on other forums and numerous good choices. Buy a couple of used players with different sonic signatures to test drive for a couple of months and then you'll know what direction to take.
As pleased as I am with the Sony, it's a temporary stop on the way to a computer-based audio system with DAC (the 5400 can't be used as DAC). This is clearly the way the industry's going. Maybe now's the time for you to consider this? |
Agree with Schotbus. Whatever your choice of CDP make sure it can be used as an external DAC as computer based audio is the future (now!). |
The Sony XA-5400ES, while excellent, has issues concerning its availability. See this thread. Among redbook-only cdp's, the Bryston BCD-1 is well regarded and can be found used for around $1800 (it is $2.9K new). This is what I use, and I have been very pleased with it. If you want to consider a tube-based player, the Doge 6 is also well regarded, and costs about $1600 new. BTW, my compliments on the fact that you correctly asked for the noun "advice." My observation has been that about 90% or more of posts asking for advice incorrectly ask for the verb "advise." Best regards, -- Al |
Another thought on a redbook only player is the Lector 0.6t that is presently listed for sale here. No relation or knowledge of this seller, but I personally use this unit and find it exceptional at this pricepoint. It has a true tube output, not just a tube buffer, employing a pair of 12at7 tubes giving a very smooth, detailed, and almost analog presentation. |
My advise is to not fret the grammar and usage around here, Al; in that direction lies madness! ;) J |
Yes, it is me again. You know the guy who likes the Sony595, shipped by sonystyle for $60. So, before you spend, check it out. Don't like it? Sonystyle will pick it up and refund the full price. Dare to be cheap. |
My advise is to not fret the grammar and usage around here, Al; in that direction lies madness! ;) J I agree, John, and with the exception of this thread that has always been my policy. But in this case the near-uniqueness of seeing it stated correctly prompted me to comment. And I will say also that I noticed and appreciate the humor behind the second word of your post :-) Best regards, -- Al |
If you can stretch your budget just a little, I would upgrade the CDP 0.6 recommended by Drrsutliff above to the Lector CDP 7TL. Even the first generation 7TL machine is likely to be an improvement over the 0.6 due to the outboard and beefier power supply. For information, Lector made improvements from the MkI to the MkII in the power supply, chassis damping, and top drawer slider. The only difference from MkII to MkIII was changing the DAC board to accomodate the BB PCM-1704 24-bit chipset instead of the PCM-63 20-bit chipset. If you can swing it, the MkIII is the player to get IMO. As mentioned above regarding the 0.6, the 7TL is also an exceptional value for the price. |
Resolution Audio Opus 21. Redbook only, but has a digital input that accepts 24/96 for DVP playback and computer. Uses the highly regarded BB 1704 chips. They are usually $1500 - $1700 used. |
I appreciate everyone's repsonse, but not only am I more confused with all the choices, I'm worried about my grammer. |
Regarding Buconero117's post, I have been unable to locate the Sony595 on the Sonystyle website. It shows as discontinued. If it is still available please provide a link or stop recommending a player that is no longer available. |
I agree with Mitch2 as I also own a Lector 7TL, MK1 version, this is an exceptional CD player, roll in some Telefunken 12at7s and you have a first rate CD player with looks to match. MK1 versions can be found for $1500 to $1600, definietly worth the price. |
07-22-10: Jig
Regarding Buconero117's post, I have been unable to locate the Sony595 on the Sonystyle website. It shows as discontinued. If it is still available please provide a link or stop recommending a player that is no longer available. The 595 has been discontinued for years.Buc is recommending the refurbished players that are available from time to time on the Sonystyle website.A tad bit of research on your part would have revealed this. |
BTW, my compliments on the fact that you correctly asked for the noun "advice." My observation has been that about 90% or more of posts asking for advice incorrectly ask for the verb "advise." Best comment I've read in a while |
07-22-10: Clmojo
I appreciate everyone's repsonse, but not only am I more confused with all the choices, I'm worried about my grammer.
Clmojo (Threads | Answers | This Thread) don't take this personally -- 'repsonse' is spelled 'response,', 'grammer' is spelled grammar. I know, I'm being a d*ck but couldn't refuse based on your post. As usual with audio posts, YMMV and IMO :) |
Sorry the comment was meant as sarcasm, no disprespect to anyone and misspellings were probably due to late night viewing and fried eyes. Cheers! |
