2. digital
  3. 126291-87346

Last CD player?

Earlier this year, I bought a Bryston 4BSST2 power amp and a Bryston BP26 pre amp.  Recently I purchased a pair of PMC fact 12 speakers.  Both produced a marked increase in sound quality.

My source at the moment is a Meridian 588 cd player, which is about 12 years old.  The transport was repaired about 2 years ago, and some capacitors replaced.  I play only redbook cds, but I may look into downloading hi-rez files later.

I am wondering if buying a new cd player would produce another big improvement in sound quality.  My budget is between £5,000 and £10,000.  I have read glowing reviews of the Moon 650D and the Esoteric K05x and K03x.  The latter is rather at the extreme end of my budget, and I am curious if it is hugely better than the K05x.

I am trying to build a see-me-out system, so durability is important.  The gear I bought earlier has a 20-year warranty, which inspires confidence.  Esoteric products have a warranty of just 1 year.

I would be grateful for any opinions or suggestions.

Thanks,
Paleo12
paleo12
paleo12 OP
39 posts
 
I have thought about buying a DAC, but I am somewhat confused about if it is necessary to couple that with an expensive transport once the Meridian dies.

I agree the warranty should be longer; if I buy the Esoteric, and it packs up after 13 months, I would find it difficult to buy another one, financially speaking.

68pete: did you compare the K03x with the K05x?  If so, did you notice a huge improvement?

I am reluctant to consider the Meridian as I would also be paying for a pre-amp.
arsh
367 posts
 
My last CD player is the new Musical Fidelity NuVista CD, companion to the NuVista 800 integrated amp. It's fabulous. I've had it since last December, and I love it. You won't read much about it here. Try to find one to listen to.
akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,179 posts
 
REGA ISIS valve spinner... 


Rega has two bespoke matched serial number transports specifically set aside for each unit sold.... No worries here.

it also has a direct USB input into its high-end DAC that is controllable from tthe remote so you can play all your digital downloads stored on external hard drives ... Nice touch ...

Google the reviews .... a $12000 MSRP Goliath killer of units at more than double cost ...Actually try to audition it and then stand back ....
paleo12 OP
39 posts
 
I have never owned a hifi component with valves.  Do they need replacing regularly?  I have read that the supply of Nuvistors is limited.  Is it so that the Nuvista's output only uses the valves in the non-balanced oujtput?

I'll have a look at the Rega, thanks.  There is a stockist not too far away.


sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
Nuvistor tubes are known for remarkably longer life ~100,000 hours, than almost any other type of tube. Yeah, they are probably tough to get. I would think Musical Fidelity would stock them for service since they sold so many models that use them. Cheers,
Spencer
More to discover