@jafant ....when are you finally going to commit to a source and amp for your Thiels? That way we will know you’re speaking from personal experience rather than simply being well read. Kudos to your research and knowledge, but some skin in the game would be refreshing. Best....
New or Old CD Player?
Let's say I have $5K, tops, to buy a CD player. I don't need digital inputs, outputs, etc. I don't need to spin SACD's. I only intend to play Redbook CD's and want a one-box solution. Would my money be better spent on a new unit, like maybe a Hegel Mohican? Or should I buy a component that was close to state of the art a decade ago? Like maybe a Simaudio 750D, or an Audio Research Reference CD8? Thoughts?
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I do have an opinion on the Esoteric K-3X, since I did own one for awhile. My overall impression of its sound is very detailed and musical, but can be a bit clinical. The sound can be tailored with variable sample rates and digital filters. The disc drive was in No way like a cheap computer disc drive. It's function was solid and inspired confidence. When used as a drive, the analytical sound transferred to the DAC. When used as a DAC, and fed by my reference PS Audio DirectStream transport, the sound was fuller and more analog, very much like my reference Berkeley Alpha Reference 2 DAC. So, as a DAC, I found the Esoteric more musical than what it was used as a CD player or a transport. SACD reproduction was stellar. Very, very close to my reference T+A PDP 3000 HV. When looking for a one-box CD player, I saw a used Esoteric K-3X at The Music Room, an on-line audio dealer. I think they listed it at $7500?? At this price, Is consider the K-3X a bargain. |
@trelja Wow! Just wow. Photos of innards of the Consonance and the Mohican. Anyone can compare.... http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/consonance/hero_cdp.jpg http://hifiknights.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Mohican19-820x547.jpg |
@twoleftears WOW, indeed! On the other hand, you do get a few upgrades for the additional $4000 Hegel charge for this player: a more sculpted faceplate with the three buttons on each side combined into one, a different digital out connection, and the Sony CD assembly. Oh wait, that last one might be a downgrade. Dont get me wrong, the CD120 Balanced put forth an excellent sonic presentation for its $1K price point. Just that seeing them go for $300 would upset me had I just dropped $5K on the rebranded one. Somehow, this company skates by this stuff, and their continued growth shows they know more than me |
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