Need Advice on a Low End CD Player Giant Killer


I'm on the lower end of audiophiledom - I have Paradigm speakers, an Outlaw receiver and a Sony multi-disc CD changer that had the first modification from Tube Research Labs.

My original intent was to send it back to TRL for them to do their latest modifications on it and tighten it up a bit since discs skip a lot or don't read well, but in doing my research online it seems there's a lot of controversy about TRL.

Basically I want to spend $500-$700 tops for a new or used CD player that's a giant killer. I'd love to have a modified multi-disc player if those exist that equal the sound quality of a single disc player, but I'm open. I need suggestions, and if anyone can give me any info on the work and honesty of TRL I'd appreciate it as well - I haven't updated my set-up in a LONG time but am ready to make a change.
soulgoober
Soulgoober, I know you are asking about a CD player, but I'd be curious to know how well your receiver handles the signal it receives. IMO, the sound quality of whatever giant killer CD player you find will likely be hampered by your receiver.

I had a decent stereo receiver once. I added a more robust amp because I was convinced I needed more power. Then I bought a entry level preamp and removed the receiver from the system. All things being equal (interconnects, speaker cables, CD player, amp and speakers), the only change in the system was the removal of the receiver and the insertion of the preamp. The difference in sound quality was rather noticeable. I won't use all the cliches but clearly I preferred the preamp over the receiver.

Now, let me share another more recent experience. I purchased an Oppo 103 to put in my HT setup. Before I did, however, I wanted to play with it in my office system. Because of the digital volume control on the 103, I hooked up my 103 directly to my amp. That was fun and I enjoyed the music. Then I hooked it up as a transport driving my Monarchy Audio M33 (a DAC/preamp about 13 years old but with the newer 24 bit chips). The difference was rather surprising to me, especially when I had my Maggie SMGas hooked up. I had planned to sell the Maggies, but once I inserted the M33, my attitude toward the Maggies changed entirely. I am now interested in moving up the Maggie line. Admittedly, I don't know how much of the sound quality improvement was due to the preamp and how much was due to the DAC. In hindsight, I'm not sure why I didn't try using the M33 as a preamp only; probably because I was too impatient. Regardless, it was the M33 that made my speakers sing, not the 103.

If you did get the 103, you could do what I did; hook up the 103 directly to the "main in" of your receiver and use the volume control on the 103. This way you could hear for yourself how good the preamp section is in your receiver as compared to the 103.

Any rate, I like my 103 and am happy to recommend it; but, I don't think it is a giant killer.
Got one for you...

It's called the Meridian G98DH transport. They book for $800 to $900 used, and NOTHING under a grand can touch it.

At the same time, you are buying some risk. Meridian no longer makes the board for the G98, and they will replace a G98 board with one from a G96. Also, if it needs service, the Meridian authorized repair is $800. For these reasons, among others, the G98DH is soft in the used market. That, and you'll need a Dac if you want it to make sound. :-)

I bought one for $876.00 used. Kept it for 3 years (which is when it was announced that only G96 boards would be used for servicing), and promptly sold it for $850.

If you can deal with the underlying risks, you can partake of a Killer transport.
Paul at TRL is a great guy. You are referring to one thread on another site that is full of immature, child like posters. No reason and reasonableness in those couple of posters. No worries.

He may not want to do it, but just call him and ask. I actually buy from Paul and have owned many pieces from him and always with good service and supreme sound. His modified Sony single disc players are giant killers but hard to find now.

Get a used Rega as they are certainly musical.
I would go for a Sony XA-5400ES & get that sent off to Dan at Modwright for the truth mods. You would be hard pressed to find a better bang for the buck SACD player.
Thanks everyone for your advice/assistance - got some research to do! And btw, it's been years since I posted on Audiogon - which forum should this have gone in?