QUAD or Arcam ?

I've owned the following CD players over the last few years:

Arcam Alpha 9

Theta Miles (balanced version)(built-in volume control)

Cary CD-308 (built-in volume control

Resolution Audio Opus 21 (built-in volume control

Granite Audio CD-650

Musical Fidelity CD/Pre-24 (pre-amp,transport,DAC and Digital swithcer in one box)

Quad 99 CD-P (built-in volume control and digital inputs)

As you can see, most had a built-in volume control or a pre-amp included because I have a single source system. If you only have CD as a source, I highly recommend using a player with built-in volume control or pre-amp because you can get rid of an expensive pre-amp. If you have additional digital sources, the Resolution Audio is KILLER and the Quad 99 CD-P is really good for the price. The MF CD/pre-24 is great if you want to simplify your system and have additional digital or analog components that you want to control/switch.

All of the above players are very good, and some are tremendous values at their used prices. However, at MSRP list price, I think the Resolution Audio Opus 21 ($3500) and the Quad 99 CD-P ($1499) are the best bargains.

Thanks for all the great feedback.

This will be my first separates system so not a real audiophile and unlikely to upgrade much in future just want really nice hifi to get the best out of my music for once, and prefer matching amp/cd ideally. Budget is circa $1500 (+stands and cables) so option with QUAD 11L is:

Arcam A65+ with CD73T
Rotel RA-02 and RCD-02
CD-P 99 and 99 power amp (second hand)

Heard NAD and Rotel to date with B&W 603's and Quads; prefer Quads. Both sounded great but erring to Rotel or Arcam as aesthetically better for my wife !!.

Plan to listen more next week but any other thoughts ladies and gentlemen ??

Ideally, in your price range, I would get a used Arcam FMJ A22 and the Rotel RCD-1072. The FMJ A22 is simple, elegant, and sounds very natural and musical. Many have sung the praises of the RCD-1072, and I heard one with some Audio Research gear, and can vouch for it as a great bargain. If you could swing it price-wise, the FMJ A22 with an FMJ CD23T is a beautiful looking and sonically wonderful combo (I have both, as well as an FMJ T22 tuner in my office system).

But, while I have not heard it myself, TAS did rave about the RA-1062 and really liked the combo. I have not heard the A65 or CD73T, but I presume that they will sound great, also.

Good luck, Tom.

Dear Acarlisle,
I have quad 11L's. The system that drives them is the QUAD CD-P, 99 PREAMP AND 909 POWER AMP. I get amazing sound, especially for the cost compared to many other brands.

The remote functions, system flexibility and build quality are very good. Best of all is the sound. I have heard sound systems that cost more than triple, and do not sound as good.

I hope this helps. QUAD products are superb and worth every penny. Someday I'll get my ESL's too!

Best Regards,
Bennett