Owners of Cary 308,308T, Arcam FMJ 33 or Ayre CX-7

Lkdog and Jman66:
Thanks for the responses, I appreciate them. So you both thought the Cary was good and the Ayre better, looks like I have some listening to do! Thanks guys, keep them coming folks.

Yarvis - despite the quirk I found in the 308, I would love to hear their new 303/300, although it pushes the price envelope up far from the 308. Nice thing about the 303 (and also the 308), if this is your only source then you can forego a preamp and connect direct to the amp(s).
I would think the output section of the new 303 is far better than the 308, especially the ability to switch between solid state and tube output on the fly.
However, there are lots of good players out there, make a short list and try to audition them in your own system.

Jman66:
That is whay I placed these CD players in the short list I have for myself. I really don't want to add any more pieces into the "mix". I also need to keep the price low. (so It looks like the Ayre will need to be purchased used)

Yarvis-
Don't know your price range, but you really should check out the TRL 595.
Truly a fine digital source at any price.

Yarvis,

If you want to use the built-in variable volume control of a CD player, you should check out the Quad 99 CDP (current version, not the old Quad 99). I previously owned the Cary CD-308 and it was a good player. It is pretty neutral as described above, however I find the Quad more engaging. The Quad 99 CDP and the Cary CD-308 are the same price new but the Quad is a bit more expensive used.

The Quad also has the benefit on having 6 digital inputs so you can use the Quad as a DAC for a DVD player or other digital source that outputs PCM.

I liked the Cary CD-308 when I owned it and preferred it (very slightly) to the Theta Miles (balanced version) that I also owned at that time. I just like the Quad better. It seems more musical to me.

Enjoy,

TIC