Want to experience tubed CDP?

Agree completely with Triode's post...I own the BAT VKD5se and am continually amazed at what it adds to the music listening experience...no digititus whatsoever!
Larry

Try newly imported to the U.S. from Germany, the Vincent S6 mark 2 which I think comes in at around $1895. Its getting some rave notices in Europe. Balanced xlr outputs, digital and usual analogue outputs along with remote volume control.

Some relatively affordable tube CDP's options: Audio Aero Prima, Shanling CDT100, Super Tjoeb, Jolida 100A, Heart 6000 OSE LE, Cary. Not sure if all of these would best your Cairn Fog.

Another route to consider... a NONOS design DAC (unfiltered, no oversampling) coupled with an affordable transport or quiet pc hard-drive (possibly SACD so that you have the best of both worlds). These DAC's include 47 Labs Shigaraki, Audio Note, Ack! Dac, Scott Nixon, etc) or a NONOS CDP such as Audio Note. Sound is supposed to be natural, linear with good PRaT and an absence of digital glare.

I would also recommend the Eastern Electric Minimax CDP. I have one. Great reviews on 6moons and Audio Circle.

The Minimax is one of my favorites in price performance, but the Lector just doesn't sound digital. It's much more coherent with more analog type air surrounding the instruments. Once you get familiar with the sound, it's difficult to go back to even very expensive and well regarded players. The .5 is a real sleeper.

It's also very unexpectantly un-tubey sounding for a tubed player. That's also the case with their Zoe linestage.

I'm a dealer so take what I say with a grain of salt. But I also sell other players at other price points. The Lector is unique.