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Vinyl guy seeking recommendation for a top level cd player

I know cds are dead.  Best time to buy a cd player, the way it looks.  I want an all in one box.  I don't stream so a separate DAC is not required.  Most of my cd collection have been ripped to a PC as Flac files and then down loaded to a Sony HAP-Z1ES.  Currently about 3000 Redbook and perhaps 100 SACDs.  The way cds are being dumped I figure on becoming a buyer again so these numbers will go up.  I have looked at Marantz SA10, Esoteric K1 (lightly used), and Luxman D-10X, so far.  It would be good if the sound could approach vinyl.  The Z1 does up to a point.  Listening this morning to the same recordings, the Z1 compares to a high end MM cartridge, but not to a SoundSmith Experion.  Maybe I am asking too much, but in any event a new cd player is being sought.  Thanks in advance for any advice.
Bill
billstevenson
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chilli42
111 posts
 
Suggest you have a look at the Ayon players.  The CD 10 or CD 35 (generation II Ultimate).  Does PCM to DSD then runs it through a slow roll off filter (if you like). Tube output stage.  The strength is musicality … analogue like for a CD player.  If money allows, consider the Weiss DAC (two different models depending on your budget) and Transport.  
avanti1960
1,490 posts
 
I have an older luxman D05 and it sounds extremely good, warm and dynamic with smooth detail.  Luxman is due to release more models between the 3x and 10x but if you have the budget the 10x should be outstanding.  
I heard the Hegel mohican and hated it.  it tried too hard to be midrange smooth and wound up casting a soft sheen over the detail.  
Budget no concern the MBL unit mentioned earlier is the best I have heard.  Beats the Esoteic model I also heard.  
I have also a Marantz SA 8005 and wanted a retreat from the Marantz sound when I bought the Luxman.  Very happy with it.  
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riaa_award_collectors_on_facebook
981 posts
 
Luxman D-10x is probably as close to Analog as your gonna get. Its a laid back presentation. Marantz Sa-10 is nowhere in the same league as Luxman/MSB/Esoteric...and is priced accordingly.  I purchased the Marantz SA-10 for $2700....The Luxman D-10X I got the Reviewer Sample for $10,500.  Most (that have tried both) prefer the Esoteric K-01XD to the Luxman D-10X.  Guess it depends on the music your listening to. If you wanna Rock out go for the Esoteric. If your into lightweight stuff (female vocals/classical/jazz) you'll probably prefer the Luxman.  Cross the Marantz off your list unless money is an issue.   If RE-SALE value is important to you forget about brands like MBL, Ayon, Oppo/Modwright...you'll get killed.
mahler123
3,382 posts
 
Budget?
Dont overlook Bryston.  I have the DAC, and I love it.  Very open, natural, no glare.  I have heard the Hegel once at Axpona and that was my general impression as well.  I don’t care for the Marantz house sound and their customer service is terrible.
  I can’t afford Esoteric or T/A, but if you can look there
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