It may be unlikely that you could score both the Prima Luna Prologue 1 or 2 and the Rega Apollo (together between $2200 and $2500 new) for $1500. But you do have some excellent options available to you.
You are correct that not all cd players are alike. If you can audition the Music Hall MMF CD25.2 cd player, you will be genuinely surprised what is available for about $500 or so, brand new. It is a well made and excellent performing CD player. It also pairs together in a very synergistic way with a number of different amps.
Based on my experience with some of the components that you name, I would recommend the following pairings:
NAD C372 integrated and the Music Hall MMF CD 25.2 cd player (list $1200 new)
Music Hall A25.2 integrated and the Music Hall CD 25.2 cd player (list $1200 new)
Prima Luna Prologue 1 and the Music Hall MMF CD25.2 cd player (list $1700 new)
If you could increase your budget to allow for the Prima Luna and the Rega Apollo, you would be pleased as well. I am using the Prologue 2 (with 6550 tubes) and the Apollo with Acoustic Research 302 speakers (3 way; 10 inch woofer; 1995 vintage). The system offers both musicality and detail. I have no desire to upgrade.
Good luck.
Regards, Rich
You are correct that not all cd players are alike. If you can audition the Music Hall MMF CD25.2 cd player, you will be genuinely surprised what is available for about $500 or so, brand new. It is a well made and excellent performing CD player. It also pairs together in a very synergistic way with a number of different amps.
Based on my experience with some of the components that you name, I would recommend the following pairings:
NAD C372 integrated and the Music Hall MMF CD 25.2 cd player (list $1200 new)
Music Hall A25.2 integrated and the Music Hall CD 25.2 cd player (list $1200 new)
Prima Luna Prologue 1 and the Music Hall MMF CD25.2 cd player (list $1700 new)
If you could increase your budget to allow for the Prima Luna and the Rega Apollo, you would be pleased as well. I am using the Prologue 2 (with 6550 tubes) and the Apollo with Acoustic Research 302 speakers (3 way; 10 inch woofer; 1995 vintage). The system offers both musicality and detail. I have no desire to upgrade.
Good luck.
Regards, Rich