2. digital
  3. 166871-140647

My Last CD player

I like my vinyl but digital has its own set of benefits. When my last CD player fell of its perch, I move to streaming audio.  Overall, I have been happy with this decision.  I did notice that lately, a number of posters have been claiming that CD is “better” than streaming.  I figured that most of these were flat earthers. I recently had the opportunity to listen to a “new generation” CD player on a friends system.  I am not sure I would say it was better but it was different and in a very good way.  As I have an extensive CD collection, this set me off to evaluate a new CD player for my system .... at my age presumably the last I will own.  I have identified a few different used players that seem to check the short list boxes: Audio Research cd 7 SE, Ayon cd10 Signature II Ultimate, Ayon cd35 Signature I and Luxman 

D-06u.  I am auditioning the Ayon cd10 at home .... smooth, natural, musical, holographic image, but light on dynamics and soundstage. Anyone have experience with these players?  Any other suggestions?

chilli42
akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,333 posts
 
REGA ISIS VALVE reference cdp/dac

Google the many reviews.    here is a sampler

https://www.tonepublications.com/review/the-rega-isis-cd-player-2/
https://6moons.com/audioreviews/rega2/1.html

It has a critical unique added feature

“ ….  Those worried about the viability of the CD format and getting your player serviced in the future, fear not. Inside the owner’s manual, there is a signature from the technician that assembled your ISIS, another tech that QC’d the electrical and mechanical systems and the tech that tested and archived not one, but two spare laser units. I think it’s safe to say that the ISIS will last longer than most of its owners and I appreciate this attention to detail, with CD transport mechanisms getting scarcer all the time…”
mahler123
3,467 posts
 
I would add Bryston and Hegel Mohican to the list.
The next question is do you have a DAC?  If so then how about a dedicated CD transport?
tweak1
3,681 posts
 
The Technics SL-G700 has gotten vg reviews. It's on my short list should/when my Oppo 105 gives it up

https://www.technics.com/us/products/grand-class/g700-series/sl-g700.html

https://stereo-magazine.com/review/technics-sl-g-700-review

hth


guy-incognito's avatar
guy-incognito
169 posts
 
It's my understanding that the streaming master isn't always the same as the master used for the physical copy. I'm not sure how accurate this is but it is what I have been told. I have a friend that buys a lot of media, physical cd's, vinyl and also hi-res/flac files. He also streams from a couple sources and he swears there is a difference between the streaming version and his other versions of the same album in most cases. How detectable that difference is and which version will be preferred is debatable. 
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