I have had or personally seen a lot of problems with cambridge and rega cd players i would go for a widely distributed brand if you have any problems from a dealer in your area their are a lot of fine players for under 1500 dollars new and used. The key is a reputable dealer if you do have issues because new cd players are not made like the originals for sure.
Suggestions for New CD Player
I'm looking for a new CD player, modestly priced under $1,500, that will work well with a 2-channel system featuring B&W 804S floorstanders, a McIntosh MC402 power amp, and a Magnum Dynalab MD208 receiver used as a preamp.
My wife and I mostly listen to classical music, and have an extensive CD collection, particularly heavy in orchestral (e.g., Mahler, Beethoven) and opera (Wagner, Verdi) and piano/violin. (My wife is a Julliard-trained musician.) Pre-pandemic, we were frequent concert-goers, preferring about rows 8-15. We also rock out on occasion. We appreciate fine equipment, but we're music-lovers rather than true audiophiles.
We previously had a Consonance Droplet CD player (tubed, nice sound quality, when it worked, which wasn't often enough) and a Lexicon RT-20 (a little harsh, and wouldn't play many discs). I won't buy a used player. In my experience, CD mechanisms are the most fragile of all components.
I realize I'm asking a lot at this price point, but life itself is compromise. Don't really care about wireless capability or digital files. SACD is nice, but redbook capability is what really matters to us. Considering Cambridge Audio 851, Rega Apollo, but open to suggestions.
Your thoughts?
My wife and I mostly listen to classical music, and have an extensive CD collection, particularly heavy in orchestral (e.g., Mahler, Beethoven) and opera (Wagner, Verdi) and piano/violin. (My wife is a Julliard-trained musician.) Pre-pandemic, we were frequent concert-goers, preferring about rows 8-15. We also rock out on occasion. We appreciate fine equipment, but we're music-lovers rather than true audiophiles.
We previously had a Consonance Droplet CD player (tubed, nice sound quality, when it worked, which wasn't often enough) and a Lexicon RT-20 (a little harsh, and wouldn't play many discs). I won't buy a used player. In my experience, CD mechanisms are the most fragile of all components.
I realize I'm asking a lot at this price point, but life itself is compromise. Don't really care about wireless capability or digital files. SACD is nice, but redbook capability is what really matters to us. Considering Cambridge Audio 851, Rega Apollo, but open to suggestions.
Your thoughts?
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That was because you liked sound of your Consonance Droplet CD player (which is R2R multibit), and so you should look for the same d/a conversion system, which is what I tried to explain above, read it slowly, and you will get it. And put a - after the nos. Sorry use the (CTRL F) not S Here is a sample search (there are 51 to look at) image for you on a PCM1704-k my favouite https://ibb.co/hghWvBQ Cheers George |
The CONSONANCE Droplet CDP’s had R2R Multibit Ladder dacs, you like that sound because it makes music, and it’s correct that you do, as it’s R2R dac, and converts Redbook CD’s 16/44, 24/96 or DXD bit perfect, better than DS (delta sigma) can as they can only give a facsimile of it. Look here, http://vasiltech.narod.ru/CD-Player-DAC-Transport.htm#C and use the search (CTRL S) to find all CDP’s, and DAC’s that use these D/A converters (in my preference order) PCM1704K PCM1704 PCM1702K PCM 1702 TDA1541S2 TDA1541S1 TDA or 1541. Cheers George |
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You'll get lots of suggestions for a CD player under $1500, and my first choice was going to be a used Oppo 105D until I saw your "I won't buy used" quote. Seeing that, you're probably better off buying a new Cambridge Audio CD from a dealer. In the event that you have a problem, you will likely have better luck getting it replaced locally. Coincidentally, I also have a Consonance Droplet CD player (in addition to that Oppo 105D). I bought it used and, although it is quirky, it does sound nice. I bought the Oppo new and have never had any issues with it. I would still recommend the Oppo, but the 203 and 205 (if you can find them) have been priced out of your stated price range. |
