Upgrading cd player


I thinking about upgrading my Rega Isis CDP. I’m thinking about the Audio Research Ref 9se or the McIntosh MCD1200. Can anyone give me any thoughts / options on this ? Also I heard that Audio Research stopped production on the Ref 9se due to not being able to get the lasers anymore / that Phillips stopped making them ? I would also rather stick to a one box unit than separates. Ty.  Also if anyone else can recommend anything also I would appreciate it. My budget is up at about 12k 

128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xtattooedtrackman

+1 piftech.  I have owned an Onkyo C 7030 for six years (very light useage) using it as a dedicated transport, and it works well. I paid about $173 including an extended warranty. I also have my late Dad’s 1992 Naim CDi which I also use sparingly. The CDi is a noticeably better sounding player but at about 90 times the price, factoring in for inflation, it should be. 👍

Have you thought about about going with a transport and dac at all? I bought a used Jays Audio MKll recently (top loader) and it is way better than I expected.Deep soundstage and the way it separates all of the instruments and vocalists in a natural way is really impressive.It was purchased reluctantly to replace the Cambridge that was beginning to have some issues but turned out being a major upgrade.

@tattooedtrackman .....About 2 years ago I bought a Schiit LOKI Mini for $149.....I loved it, bought a 2nd. one for a bedroom system....fantastic piece for the money...I use it on a $20K system...I DON'T EQ my SYSTEM....I EQ my RECORDINGS......then recently ordered the Loki Max $1500.....It didn't seem to sound like it was doing much........The Mini seemed to do a better job of EQ ing the music.....It even sounded "cleaner". I highly recommend that unit. Can't wait till I pick up my MQ 112 this week. Good Luck and happy listening to You!

Hoping to get my Estoteric K-03XD soon to replace my ModWright Marantz player. We shall see what the differences are.