Rega Planet vs Cal Audio Labs Icon MK II

I have had the CAL Icon MK II with PowerBoss upgrade for four years and have enjoyed it very much. $700.00 may be about right with the PowerBoss, but you should make sure that is what you are getting. (I don't think the regular Icon MK II has HDCD, so that might be how you know) I haven't auditioned the Planet, but based on reviews I have read, I suspect for the relatively small price difference in buying these units used, you may find the Cal much more rewarding. Since I bought my Icon, I have updgraded the rest of my system (an ongoing process) to a Levison 380S and Moon W-5 amp, and you know, even with the increased transperency of those units, I have not been particularly eager to replace the CAL. (Though I will eventually do so). That speaks well for this CD player.

Here's another possibility: the California Audio Labs DX2 is several hundred dollars cheaper than the Icon MKII, yet not far from it in sound. An excellent midlevel choice!

Yeah, I have a DX-2 and have enjoyed it. I payed 550.00 for it 2 years ago. I figured I have gotten my $ worth at this point. I auditioned the Icon MKII at the same time and on the same speakers I have at home. The Icon was just a tad maybe only a tidge smoother. At the time the MKII with HDCD was almost twice as much. I couldn't reason the extra dough so I went with the DX-2

Dekay, I was interested in your comments. I am considering a Bel Canto Dac to use in conjuction with my DX-2. What do you think? I have also wondered about the use of the vibrapods, as I have not tried them. I don't have room on my rack to install the shelf with vibra's you describe. Couldn't I just take the feet off the DX-2 and replace with the vibrapod feet? I hope no one minds my interlude in this thread.

Agree that $700 is high for the CAL, but if you have a $700 budget I suggest that you expand the field and listen to more equipment. You may be able to find something considerably better than either of these players at this price point.