Want to experience tubed CDP?

If you're going to spend Audio Aero or Cary $$, consider the BAT VK-D5SE. You won't regret it.

The AH! SuperTjoeb 4000 will best your Cairn. Make sure to upgrade from the stock tubes -- my personal favorite is the Ediswan.
Jay

I have been living with the Audio Aero for about two months out of all players I have listened to (Rega Planet, Linn Genki, Unison Unico CD), it is the most involving and musical one. I have owned the Planet for seven years, Genki for 4 months and the Unico for two months. None of these players comes as close to portraing a real piano as well the Audio Aero Prima. The Prima is more detailed and musical than the Unico (which according to Chris at partsconnexion betters the Jolida, sorry no personal experience) and more liquid and involving than the Genki. It has a more tuneful bass than any of the other players.

After searching for a long time to find an upgrade to my seven year old planet, this is as musical as the planet, but does not sacrifice any of the details. It is also the first player that my wife likes more than the Planet.

Of course, either of these players looks very interesting and I did not have a chance to listen to the Jolida, Cary, Lector, or BAT. Maybe at HE in New York?

Good luck.

Rene

Thanks for your comments!

Jburidan, have you compared the Cairn and Ah! side-by-side? I would love to hear what the Ah! brings to the table over the Cairn. If you could email me or post more information on your comparision it would be greatly insightful to me. Thanks!

Rene, thanks for your thoughts on the Prima. I am hoping to attend HE in NYC, if only for a day. I might have to try to stop by and listen to all these players. I have found, the only way to really know, is to bring it home and slap it in your system for a month though, but at least I could get some preliminary thoughts at HE?

Jh20s,
When buying used, you can recoup most--if not all--of your money should you decide to re-sell. Therefore, I would suggest buying the best player you can. I have owned the Rega Planet, the Planet 2000, the Jolida JD-100, and the AA Prima. The Prima is on another level entirely when compared with the first three. Much smoother, greater dynamic capability, and it tracks complex music with more accuracy. As Rene said, it nails piano (and vocals) with an organic sense that pulls you in.
FWIW, during the month or so that we were waiting for our APL 3910 player to be ready, we kept our Prima and sold our Resolution Audio Opus 21. The Opus 21 did everything well, except engage us.
Best of luck,
Howard