New or Old CD Player?
+1 for Sony 999ES / Signature Truth modifications by ModWright (superclock, tube output stage with external tube rectified power supply, etc.): https://positive-feedback.com/Issue14/modwright999ES.htm Truly unbeatable. Say what you will. I have still not heard better yet. |
Elizabeth + 1. I agree that a really good SACD player makes for a great CD player. I have tha Marantz SA-15S-2b and my CDs sound wonderful. Also, Matej Isak of Mono & Stereo feels that outside of the recording studio, he's yet to hear anything better a well recorded CD or SACD on a top grade CD or SACD player. There's still life in them thar CDs. All the best, Nonoise |
If there is any recommendation I can give than it would be in getting an external DA converter together with a good player. My experiences have been that it is an outstanding improvement. You can spend a reasonable amount of money on the drive, Marantz would deliver good ones, Esoteric probably top end. For the DA section I would go for 1000-1500 USD, personally I can recommend
RME ADI-2 DAC, which is phenomenal. Give it a go and you spend your 5K wisely. |
