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Vinyl guy seeking recommendation for a top level cd player

I know cds are dead.  Best time to buy a cd player, the way it looks.  I want an all in one box.  I don't stream so a separate DAC is not required.  Most of my cd collection have been ripped to a PC as Flac files and then down loaded to a Sony HAP-Z1ES.  Currently about 3000 Redbook and perhaps 100 SACDs.  The way cds are being dumped I figure on becoming a buyer again so these numbers will go up.  I have looked at Marantz SA10, Esoteric K1 (lightly used), and Luxman D-10X, so far.  It would be good if the sound could approach vinyl.  The Z1 does up to a point.  Listening this morning to the same recordings, the Z1 compares to a high end MM cartridge, but not to a SoundSmith Experion.  Maybe I am asking too much, but in any event a new cd player is being sought.  Thanks in advance for any advice.
Bill
billstevenson
marquess
3 posts
 
Hello;

I am also an analog guy, but I own a very musical and pleasant CD player:
the Rega Saturn-R which I strongly recommend.

if you want to go more High End, go for their top range and try the Rega Isis or the Rega Isis Valve CD players.

they are more expensive than my Saturn-R but still thousands of euros less expensive than many “Hihg End” CD players and they play better (the closest approach to a top vinyl system).

check the link:

http://https//www.rega.co.uk/products/valve-isis
tonywinga's avatar
tonywinga
844 posts
 
We have some on this forum that live by specifications.  Since most all CD players have pretty much identical specs, just buy the cheapest CD player you can find and it will sound better than vinyl- by their logic.  Of course, most of us know better...
jg2077
159 posts
 
Esoteric K1 Grandioso. 
hamr
56 posts
 
I have owned almost all of the  Sony ES players a Marantz SA7S1, an Esoteric K01 and now a Marantz SA10. The Esoteric was an outstanding player, but the SA10 is even better with a more extended and detailed high end and a better depth of field for a third of the cost. It gives my SME 20/2 table a run for the money. It benefits highly from a good power cord. I use a Harmonic Technology Reference cord. Good luck!
riaa_award_collectors_on_facebook's avatar
riaa_award_collectors_on_facebook
981 posts
 
K01 is 10 years old. Thats like 4 generations ago. Sounds NOTHING like a current NON Dac Chip Esoteric. SA-10 was a Slight Upgrade from the Pearl K-1 which can be had for a little over 1K now.  I had em all.
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