My personal experience has been, and this is very condensed and generalized, that dedicated CD players sound better playing redbook than multi-function players of equivalent cost. I've owned the Sony SCD 9000 and 5400, as well as an Esoteric X-05 and all were outperformed on redbook playback by both my Naim CD5x/flatcap, CDX2/Supercap (albeit more expensive) and current EAR Acute. I have not had the opportunity to hear the more expensive multi-format players such as the Playback Designs or Esoteric K-03, so the results may change there. But they're just SACD/CD. I'm not sure there's a video player out there that will compete with the best non-video players. Personally, in your position, I would buy the Oppo, which I'm sure does a good job with video and even SACD and later add a good dac for redbook if you're unsatisfied. Good luck.
Dedicated Red Book CD player vs. "Universal" type players....
I surmise this discussion has been debated a fair amount but here goes....I'm searching for the "final" cd player. Red Book playback is important to me as I have an extensive cd collection and am not into computer based sound (yet). So, I don't mind grabbing and popping those silver disks into a player. What are my fellow Audiogoner's thoughts on a dedicated cd player vs. the universal (see Oppo) type of player? Does a one-box solution sacrifice some cd playback performance trying to be a jack of all trades? If so, can you hear that difference? Input and comments most appreciated!
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- 40 posts total
- 40 posts total