I too have learned that really high quality CD players can sound as good as or better than some server/streamer/DAC front ends. However, it seems that it is the quality and cost of the CD player that matters. I have a Rotel RCD 991 player that was most certainly mid-fi. With the addition of a Dexa low jitter clock, Burson Audio discrete Opamp replacement, some cap upgrades and precision resistors in the signal path, the player is transformed. My 1st step toward high resolution audio was a Mac Mini running JRiver into a PS Audio NuWave DSD DAC. The MM/NuWave certainly provides for information, data if you will, but not more music. A CD player can have the advantage of potentially lower jitter. No cables, no USB/Toslink/SPDIF/AES etc. to corrupt the signal. My CD player makes me want to listen more and more carefully. It draws me in and helps me make an emotional connection with the music. It is just more enjoyable and "musical" ( a meaningless term, unless you have experienced directly the "thing" that makes your toe tap and has you singing along). A few dedicated CD players can be the basis for very high resolution and accurate audio systems. I have heard and enjoyed some Audio Research units that were amazing. Bryston, Hegel (I have not heard in my home) and others have made some focused "CD only" players that one might want to try. CDs, better than you might think they are.
Big source improvement using CD player
I borrowed a friend's esoteric dv50s CD player. I could not believe the difference between it and streaming Spotify premium. I am now in the market for a CD player. One thing, the esoteric does not play DVD-R. Can anyone recommend a comparable CD player in the used market that does? I'm looking in the $800 - $1500 range.
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- 112 posts total
- 112 posts total