Audition a Linn Ikemi as well as an Esoteric DV 50 (a universal player). The Esoteric is a little out of your price range new, but on demo it should fall below 5k. Very different sounds, both excellent players. I love the Ikemi on redbook, and the sound you are describing as your preference is exactly what it delivers. The Esoteric on SACD is nothing short of awesome and its redbook is also excellent (very detailed, if that is to your liking, though not as smooth as the Ikemi). If you have either of these dealers in your area, be sure you go listen (given your preferences, especially to the Ikemi) before you buy anything else.
CD player in the $2,500 to $5,000 range
I sold my old system (Bryston, MG 3.6r, Oracle Delphi, Parasound CD player) and have been working on putting together a simpler and smaller system. With advice from others on Audiogon, I bought a lovely pair of Sonus Faber Cremona Auditors, and a Cary SLI-80 Signature. Now I need to pick a CD player.
I listen to primarily piano music, opera, and chamber music (plus a smattering of jazz, from time-to-time). I don't give a darn about the "hi-fi experience." Grain free, no fatigue, timber accuracy, is what I value.
I'm thinking:
Ayre CX-7e
Meridian G08
AR CD3
Marantz SA 11s1
Any thoughts and advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
MMC
I listen to primarily piano music, opera, and chamber music (plus a smattering of jazz, from time-to-time). I don't give a darn about the "hi-fi experience." Grain free, no fatigue, timber accuracy, is what I value.
I'm thinking:
Ayre CX-7e
Meridian G08
AR CD3
Marantz SA 11s1
Any thoughts and advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
MMC
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- 34 posts total
Dan, You are right, John Tucker and Exemplar are no slouch, in fact he does Fabulous mods. And for 1700, the 2900 is an absolute bargain. I have been thru so many digital sources over the past 2 years, I have personnaly decided what I want most....as stated above. BTW, Glad you love the 2900....and just to let you know, he is modding the 5910, which is suppose to be unfrkinbelievable. I just do not feel, for the $$$$, anything could match the APL. Except of course, my next APL modded Esoteric UX-01. heh heh heh...but, this one is well over 10k |
Have a look/listen to the Consonance Droplet CDP as well. Here is the 6moons review: http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/droplet/cdp5.html Enjoy! |
Pick up a used MBL 1511 DAC. Or the 1531 CDP. They're listed on the 'Gon. I don't think you can do any better than these two. http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlconv&1137451087 http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1136756566 Disclaimer: I am in no way related to these sellers or to MBL, I'm just an owner of a product of theirs. :) |
If you don't want SACD I would seriously consider maximizing redbook with a redbook only player. Of the players you have listed I have heard the G08 and thought it great. Others have recommended some nice players as well. I agree with everyone who is suggesting to go with the companies who offer you the opportunity to demo players in your own system for 30 days. Lot more to gain than to lose with that. If you decide you want SACD I would spend a lot of money on a really good DAC and buy a decent SACD player (used) as the transport. |
- 34 posts total