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need opinions on cdp with built in volume control up to $2000

I have a couple CD players with built in volume control that I'm very satisfied with but both need service, which may be a simple matter or may not.  Getting service is becoming a real burden though and I would like opinions about other possible options.  The players are a Consonance Droplet 5.0 and a Raysonic 228.   I also have a Modwright Oppo BDP83SE with the tube power supply and had a Cambridge Audio 851C.  The Oppo does a fine job on SACD and DVD-A but is a noticeable step down in sound quality from the Consonance and the Raysonic on redbook cd.  The Cambridge was a further step down and so was sold.  I never use preamps, including passive, and all my sources have built in volume controls so that's what I'm looking for.  I value detail and transparency as well as a focused soundstage more than other qualities.  I  also prefer integrated cd players rather than separate DAC/transports so please, recommendations that follow this.  I prefer to spend about a $1000 or so on the used market but could possibly go up to $2000 if absolutely necessary.  Present options I see include the Classe CDP-202, Meridian G08, Resolution Audio Opus 21, EAR Acute, and a few Cary models.  Opinions based on experience, especially compared to the Consonance or Raysonic, would be greatly appreciated. 
lcherepkai
trelja
3,223 posts
 
I agree with you completely on CD players with volume controls, anda also use a couple, including a Consonance Reference 2.0 SACD player. I’ve not heard the RA Opus 21, but the CD55 was a good one. I’ve also considered the EAR Acute, but the long term prospects on reliability likely come in the same as your current two players.

I was the Consonance importer, and might be able to help get your Droplet going again. What trouble is it and the Raysonic giving you, and what part of the country do you live?
pehare's avatar
pehare
835 posts
 
any of the Cary CD players w/built in volume control but I warn that they all eventually need new laser drives which is not hard to replace yourself.  306/200, 303/300, 303/200 and some of the newer models they all sound great.
lcherepkai OP
280 posts
 
trelja---Looks like Deltronics in Chicago is going to pick up my players and (hopefully) fix them.  Both were having occasional problems playing discs, skipping or distorting on semi-rare occasion, with more problems occurring toward the end of some cd's.   It wasn't bad, but any is too much.  The optics was replaced in the Droplet (2 different ones were installed) but the player wouldn't read discs so the tech said he feels it's something on the board.  The Raysonic works fine except the same occasional skipping or glitching problems.  I'm about 4 hours south of Chicago.  And I had the SACD 2.0 and sold it so I could purchase a Droplet 5.0 .  It was pretty good on redbook cd but man, the SACD was excellent.  I've had several universal players since then and none could touch that player on SACD. 

pehare----any experience with the Cary CD500?  There's one for sale with a new laser installed and the reviews look pretty good.  And it's affordable. 

Thanks for your input guys.
pehare's avatar
pehare
835 posts
 
One of my local friends has a CD500 and it sounds great in his rig (Cary 300sei and Coincident speakers) but I've never heard it in my system.  He's had the laser replaced once too.  That's probably the player I would go for if mine croaks.  I have the 303/300 now and always use it in solid state output mode (not thru the tube section) as I feel it sounds better that way in my setup.  Not too many choices out there - let us know what you wind up with and good luck.
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