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
44 posts
 
Hi,

Since Monday, I have been trying out the Esoteric K05x, and I am very impressed.  I hear things I never heard before; the level of detail is amazing.  Also, the sound stage is large and very precise; I can hear where the different drums are in a drum kit for example.

The only mild disadvantage is this: with some older recordings (the Crosby, Stills and Nash album for example), there is some harshness about the voices.  I spoke with the dealer, who said that Esoteric cd players need about 200 hours to run in, and that this harshness will disappear.  He said also that there is some compromise involved here: the level of detail the player can produce has some disadvantages with poor recordings.

Has anyone had any experience with the running in of Esoteric cd players?  Does anyone have any views or the settings for filters and oversampling when it comes to playing poor recordings?


jafant's avatar
jafant
19,908 posts
 
Hopefully, in 2017, we will continue to see and hear new CD/SACD players!
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
Has the new Bryston BCD-3 reached the UK yet?  I think you might find it a very synergistic match with your other equipment and, on its own terms, all the CD-player and more that you would ever want.  The first reviews and responses are very positive.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
Had a revelation today!  Heard my Krell Vanguard with the Digital board installed streaming my ripped CD's from a Blue Sound Vault 2 through  BSOUND PNode connected by an optical link.  Unreal...absolutely glorious tone and warmth.  Decided to sell my $12k spinner :))
68pete
1,004 posts
 
paleo 12
I have had my Esoteric KO 3x for a couple of years now and love it. It does have a long break in and the break must be done for each filter and sampling rate. I do not feel there is a right answer for which filter or sample rate you use. It really boils down to the sound you like in your room. For me some recording sound better with the different filters and sample rates than other did. Best way is to play around with it, to you get the sound that makes you happy.  I some times change  mine up when i go from SACD to red book CD. Good luck
Enjoy Pete
More to discover