Dedicated CD Player Recommendation


Hi All,

Feel free to check out my virtual system to see my full system. In a nutshell, I've got an EAD CD-1000, Bryston BP-20, Bryston 4-NRB, and PMC LB-1 loudspeakers. I've got a small 9x9 room and listen to the PMCs nearfield. Last year, I added an inexpensive universal player, Pioneer 563a, and a turntable, Rega P-25, to the system. These, along with some aging ears, have exposed limitations with the CD-1000. Specifically, the treble glare is driving me nuts. The player has tons of detail along with articulate bass, but sounds a bit harsh with most female vocalists or strident recordings. I can throw the same disc into the Pioneer player and lose the glare. While it overall doesn't sound as good as the CD1000, it's a lot easier on my ears.

I've had a chance to audition a variety of players from Arcam, Jolida, Primare, Rega, and Simaudio. Of sub-$1200 players, the Jolida and Rega Planet had a nice smooth sound, but lacked the detail I've come to expect. At the higher price points, the Arcam CD-33 is very nice, but the Simaudio Equinox really grabbed my ears. I haven't brought it home for an audition yet. I would like to hear some other recommendations for players to look at new or used under $2500. I'd really like to hear from any other Bryston/PMC owners what players have great synergy in your system.

Thanks,
Erik
proggy
You could try adding a Benchmark DAC to the CD or DVD player. I must emphasise that I have never heard the unit personally, but some people I know have done and have recommended it above the Rega and Arcam players.
At $1000 it might be worth seeking one out for a demo.
I have an ARC CD3 that goes for roughly $2,500 used.

It is very solidly built and is a sophisticated, balanced performer that forced me to sell a ML 39 tranport and 360s DAC combo. The only caveat is that it's a top-loader. I think it compares quite favorably to anything eles in that price range. In fact, it's the first CD player I've owned that is not just absolutely toasted by my analog rig -- I can happily listen to CD's all night long now.

Good luck.
Check out Musical Fidelity A5 - if you liked the Jolida, you should really like this CDP. Retails for $2500.
For much less money than your proposed budget, you can get a Quad 99 CDP. It is under $1500 new and sells for about $850-950 used. It is a really nice player that does nothing wrong. It has a really nice balance between musicality and detail. It has a high end that is smooth enough to not call attention to itself and it has an excellent bottom end IMHO.

I've owned lots of players priced $1200-3500 and although I don't think the Quad is the absolute best of them all, I do consider it the best value. BTW, I bought mine used, right here, for $850 and it is amazing at that price point.

Enjoy,

TIC
I highly recommend the Resolution Audio Opus 21.
It has all the attributes you have mentioned.
Very smooth sound, no treble glare, almost analog sounding in terms of its musicality. You might want to check the reviews here and on Audio Asylum.
Used price is between $2,000 for the older units and $2,500 for the newer units. (The very first batch had some minor transport noise issues, as well as a remote that did not have direct track access. The later units have no such problems.)

My two cents worth anyway.