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"Warm" CD player...on a budget.

I can't take it anymore. My CDs sound way too harsh with my Pioneer DV-343 DVD player serving as a transport and my Denon 5800 serving as the DAC. I need something that sounds warm and smooth, but I don't think I can afford to spend more than $500. I've been eyeing the Cambridge Audio D300SE and D500SE models, but won't really have an opportunity to listen to them prior to purchase due to the lack of a local dealer. I've also heard that an Ah! Toejb player can really sing, but I'm nervous about getting anything that has tubes that might or might not need to be replaced in the future.

Who wants to point me in the path of CD righteousness, keeping the budget in mind?
cjcerny
ton1313
272 posts
 
DON'T FEAR THE TUBES! They create some beautiful music! The tubes are not that hard to replace, and are pretty easy to find. The nice thing about the Ah! is that you CAN change the sound of the unit by just changing the tubes! I changet the tubes in my CAL Alpha DAC and what a difference.

Good Luck
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
Hi Cjcerny. Although I've never heard it myself, based on reputation and reviews I would suggest looking into the original Rega Planet which you can find used within your budget. Good luck!
jvr
105 posts
 
try a cal sigma II dac. it is in your budget and has a nice sound. you can also upgrade the tubes. cal icon would not be bad either.

good luck
danvetc
527 posts
 
You should consider a used Bel Canto DAC1, or the other upsampling dacs like it, to couple with your Pioneer DVD player as the transport. I use this combo with great pleasure. Good luck, Charlie.
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