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Music Hall CD-25.5 vs CD-25 w/mods??

I was going to pick up a NAD C542 but now thinking of going for a Music Hall CD-25. I can get a C-25 w/level 3 mods for $200 more then the NAD but now found I can buy the newest Music Hall MMF CD-25.5 for $540.00 brand new(which is $60 less then the 25 w/mods). My question is: did they improve the 25.5 to the point where it would be up there with a MMF CD-25 with mods?? Unfortunately I can't go much higher $$ wise, $400 was my limit but might as you can see I'm pushing it a bit. Also thinking it maybe overkill considering my system. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated..
My modest system:
NAD T752
Paradigm Studio 20v3
Technics SL-Q2 Phono
AudioSource Sub(next on my list for replacing)
Yamaha CDX-710 CD-Player(15 Yrs old,getting replaced now)
pmt1209
pmt1209 OP
44 posts
 
I received a e-mail giving me the lowdown on the Music Hall CD-25 and CD-25.2. The 25.2 uses a new transport as well as a 24 bit/192K DAC versus the 24 bit/ 96K DAC of the CD-25. The new 192K DAC's do not support HDCD. The not supporting HDCD kind of threw me, why would a newer version of this player not support HDCD?? Is it a non issue or is HDCD going to go the way of the Beta videotape?? Also found out the Onix X-CD99 is the older CD-25 with nicer cosmetics and a better subchassis. The guys at Underwood were great, very fast response.. I was impressed.. The non HDCD has me backpeddling a bit..
seditious3
184 posts
 
I bought the modded CD-25 because I want HDCD. I have a lot of HDCD, mostly Grateful Dead. If you don't have many HDCD, and chances are you don't, then don't sweat it.
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,361 posts
 
Yes Pmt1209 - I stand corrected. I was thinking about the C352 integrated Vs the 320BEE integrated. So what decision have you made? I know - it is exciting and confusing - all at the same time :-)
pmt1209 OP
44 posts
 
Seditious3 so your saying HDCD isn't going to become mainstream for future CD release? Funny thing happened tonight though, I went to Audiogon's classified and there was this NAD C542 that's been up for auction and there was only an hour left so I decided for the price I would buy it and if I didn't like it I could always sell it and go another route. Problem is I couldn't get to it to put a bid in, tried for an hour straight but both my IE6 and Firfox browers timed out before letting me into the listing.. I could get in and view to bid any other listing but just not the one for the NAD C542... Maybe an omen lol.. worse part is I wonder of others were having the same problem and the seller lost chances to sell if for an higher price(listing site listed below).. anyone else ever see this happen?? Although it was an impulse on my part, I could buy one brand new for $60 more new and delivered.. Just very strange.. and so the decision making goes on//

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/auc.pl?dgtlplay&1139019401&auc&3&4&
mapleleafs3
190 posts
 
Save some cash and look at a used NAIM. For around 800.00 you will get a player you can live with and will allow you to upgrade around it.
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