2. digital
  3. 1132458807

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
msmcelwee
msmcelwee OP
7 posts
 
Based on the comments by others, I've decided to pass on the modded units. I've narrowed the decision to a Cary 303-300 or the 306 SACD. Based on other threads, the 306 SACD seems to be the clear winner, and has the SACD capability as a bonus. I'll let you know how I like it after it arrives. Thanks all. MMC
lotus1
52 posts
 
you made the right choice...you'll love the cary 306
hifidoc56
9 posts
 
Audio Aero Prima is the best I have heard under
$5000 !!! You will just love it I have spent a few hours auditioning one and nothing else comes close unless you spend more than 5k. The only reason I did not buy it is I could afford something better -Audio Research cd3mkll
but here in USA it retails for $5495!
sheffb
64 posts
 
A very accurate musical nondigital sounding CDP is the GamuT which is working out a US distribution problem, I believe. I have been listening to my GamuT for 3 years and my respect only has increased. Positive-Feedback just reviewd it and had many compliments for it. 6Moon.com in a review comparing it with the Esoteric 50 said (the reviewer) he had not heard another CDP which significantly outperforms the GamuT. You can buy these gems used for about 1700 or new if available for about 3500. These are redbook only players. The GamuT over samples at 44,100Hz X128 which is twice that of SACD! This is an extremely smooth nonfatiguing sounding CDP which is truly balanced but sounds good also unbalanced.
larryken
537 posts
 
Consonance Droplet CDP...you can use without a preamp if you're so inclined.I've owned Wadia, Meridian and BAT..this is by far the best to my ears.
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