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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
avanti1960
1,482 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
3,371 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
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,569 posts
 
Bill,

Among your choices, Luxman D-10X has the best analog like sound due to its D/A converter. The built quality is outstanding. Esoteric toss around here a lot but to my ears its players are no where near analog sounding as Luxman.

I would also take a look at Accuphase DP-750, it’s what I call the end game SACD/CD transport.

https://www.accuphase.com/cat/dp-750_e.pdf
elliottbnewcombjr
5,515 posts
 
Just did what you are going to do. It got me back to enjoying my CD’s as well as my Vinyl.

I kept cost down by going for a used Oppo bdp-105. Good advice and praise for it here, many good reviews like this one

https://www.audioholics.com/blu-ray-and-dvd-player-reviews/oppo-bdp-105

Also great praise for Oppo bdp 205, I went for 105’s lower cost.

They have very convenient remote volume, and ’Pure Audio’ mode as well as dual processors ....

For CD only, the full function remote is quite large if that makes a difference to you.

Laser Life: IF you go for a used unit of any maker: find out how much it has been used, the lasers eventually weaken, then you get ’no disc’, ... other error messages. It’s not what year it was made, it’s how much the laser was used. I had to return one for that reason, bought this one from original owner with very low use assured.
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