The sony scd-xa5400es is a steal at 1k. Huge soundstage
detail galore without the digital haze present in most
players today. You get a "you are there" musical impression
very vivid and captivating. I am looking forward to reading
the review in this month's stereophile. |
The Musical Fidelity I mentioned earlier is a tube output CD player. Very smooth presentation but not lacking in detail either. If you like a transparent rendering of what's on the disc, I can highly recommend. I also have the Cayin CD-17T which is a tube output player and also very good for the price which would be close to your target amount. Not quite as neutral as the MF or CEC - if you like a drop of added warmth, the Cayin is your style. |
I totally agree with the above posters on the Raysonic cd-128. I have had most of the mentioned players from above.
It plays well above its asking price.
If you see one on here........GRAB IT! |
Hi jazzpiano - my brother actually has a CEC CD player and likes it, though he prefers a brighter sound than I do - for me, the CEC stuff is too bright. I prefer the warmer sound of the Rega. Many digital recordings are more than bright enough (especially in the early days of digital recording) without your player adding to it IMO. I have not heard any tubed CD players yet, though I would be very interested to sometime. The PrimaLuna one gets very good reviews, both formal and in the forums. |
I own 2 tubed players- Raysonic 128 -highly recommended! Jolida JD 100 - I have a modded one-if you can get a modded one it's a budget-player king on the used market.
I also own the Bryston BCD-1 which is an excellent solid state player. At a 1500 budget I'd be looking for a used Raysonic. |
buy a refurb sony 595 for $60 from sonystyle, listen and then send it back, or put your $1440 in the bank, and smile. This will change your audio life. |
Hello, thank you for all the great response. My CD transport is not tracking well and I do have a DAC, from Enlightened Audio, very old DAC.
What are your takes on CD players with a tube output stage? Has anyone heard them? You feedback is appreciated.
thanks, |
First off, what is it that you consider missing from your current CD player?
Not knowing exactly what deficiency you're looking to correct, I would consider a Sony XA7ES or XA777ES (this can do SACD as well). They're built like a tank and sound good, and should be available on the used market from $1000-1200 or so.
Other options include DAC's to use with your current player and possibly computer-based audio in the future. Some considerations would be an Electrocompaniet ECD-1, Benchmark, and Bel Canto DAC3.
You're willing to spend $1500, but for a fraction of that you could have a Music Hall CD-25, which is a very strong player for the money. There are also upgrade modifications available for it that supposedly make it even stronger. It's a great bang for the buck.
Michael |
As Drummermitchell suggested, save up for the used/demo Bryston BCD1. |
Cambridge Audio 840C. Very nice player. |
get a Raysonic 128 new or used |
I've listened to the CEC TL-51 CD player and was very impressed. It delivers a very smooth, well integrated sound. Silky highs and transparent through the midrange. Only slight negative was that the bass seemed slightly lean compared to the Musical Fidelity. Otherwise I rated it extremely highly. I'm not sure about the durability of the belt drive.
Personally, I would go for the Musical Fidelity A5 which can be had for around your price target. Tremendously musical player! |
Two players too consider in your price range. IMO. The SQ-12 from a store, Quest for Sound. Stephen is a great quy to deal with. I have this unit myself. And I have found some of the Cambridge Audio players to be quite nice. Alot of nice ones out there, fun hunting. |
Hi, thank you for your helpful response.
Has anyone here listened to any CEC Cd Players? |
The best player in that price range, IMO, is the Rega Apollo. Designed to sound as analog-like as possible, it has a much warmer sound, and greater soundstage, and better imaging than any other CD player I have ever heard costing a few times it's price. However, Sidssp's suggestion is also a good one, I had a friend just add a DAC with very good results. |
If you already have a CD player and are looking for upgrade, I think it would be far more cost effective to just buy a DAC like the Benchmark DAC-1 to use with your existing CD player. |
There is a Bryston BCD-1 for an extra 450(rated class A in
Stereophile)on this site.I find she's a superb player,I have one.For me she does everything right,especially using the analog out of the cdp. |
