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Which CD player should I consider for my system ?

Hi there,
I'm in the process of breaking up my existing system into two separate ones. One (the "small" one) will be used as a secondary system that will also run some outdoor speakers when required and the other will be my "main" system. Right now I'm bi-amping my speakers and would like to keep it that way. Here's what my "main" system consists of:

NAD C370 int. amp (using it both as a "pre" and "power" amp)
NAD C270 power amp
Totem Acoustic Sttaf
Unity Link Interconnects
Unity Link Speaker cables.

I have a NAD C521BEE that I'll be using for my second system and would like to know which CD player to consider out of the following:

NAD C540 (fully modified & used)
Rega Planet (used)
Arcam Diva CD73T (new) - I'm not sure if it's this or the Diva CD72 but I know it retails for about $1000 Canadian.

Would I notice a big difference between let's say the NAD & the Arcam ? I was told that the Arcam would be quite a step up from the NAD. I listen to all kinds of music but I love 80's stuff. I also like to "crank it" once in a while. I'm very happy with the sound now but I need to add a second CD player to "complete" my main system. All of your input and or suggestions are appreciated.

Thank you.
bacs68
c123666
871 posts
 
You might consider adding a CEC CD player to the list as they offer two models that would be considered "affordable". One of them is found used on AGon; there is at least one for sale for 300 right now. And, a belt drive model is also for sale which I'd be looking at did I not have a Counterpoint CD transport that refuses to die.
Here is the ad:
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1125612182

good luck
friz1313's avatar
friz1313
76 posts
 
Out of the ones you listed the CD73 is easily the most musical to me. Then the NAD. The 73 is a stepup over the 72, and it costs less than the 72 did new. The Planet was so polite sounding I thought it crossed over to being boring. Generally, people who are really into analog like the Planet's sound.

The NAD is a little forward sounding. But not unpleasant. And you would have good synergy in your system. But if it was my $699 US, I'd go with the Arcam.
jay_douglas_2879b79
239 posts
 
stick with nad
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
Been using the NAD C-541i for more than a year now and feel it's a wonderful player for the money. I've had more expensive players in my system but always returned to the NAD.
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