So, the question is really:
"Best CD-only player for $700?"
R2R ladder DACs have only recently been displaced by other types, so besides reliability questions, the SQ question is what is the best Ladder DAC based CD player...
The easiest thing is to buy an Oppo - it will sound very good or better and can be returned if you don't like it.
Brands to think about for $700 max would be:
Cambridge Audio
Sony ES
Rega
Denon & Marantz
I like tubes, but I keep them bottled up inside my pre-amp....
"Best CD-only player for $700?"
R2R ladder DACs have only recently been displaced by other types, so besides reliability questions, the SQ question is what is the best Ladder DAC based CD player...
The easiest thing is to buy an Oppo - it will sound very good or better and can be returned if you don't like it.
Brands to think about for $700 max would be:
Cambridge Audio
Sony ES
Rega
Denon & Marantz
I like tubes, but I keep them bottled up inside my pre-amp....