Advice needed re: new CD player purchase


Hello everyone. New member but long-time lurker here. My system: Bryston 4B-ST amp, Bryston BP25 preamp, and Meridian 508.24 CD player (all purchased in 1998 and all performing flawlessly), Kimber KCAG balanced interconnects, Audioquest speaker cable, and Esoteric power cords. I have Thiel CS2.4 loudspeakers.

I have about 4500 CDs (about 3% of which are hybrid SACDs). I love my system, but I want a new CD player. Am I right to think that advances in audio technology over the last 24 years have left my Meridian in the dust, sonically speaking? So I have been looking at various players. A few parameters: I will only buy new; I want XLR outputs; and I’d prefer to not spend over 5k.

I’m looking hard at the Bryston BCD-3, and the Technics SL-G700. Having owned Bryston products now for almost 24 years, I’m extremely impressed by their build quality and performance. However, the BCD-3 is not an SACD player. I’ve read a few solid reviews of the Technics, but I’m suspicious of their long-term reliability. There are no dealers where I live or within 200 miles. I looked at the Marantz line, and their only player with balanced outputs is the SA-10, which I’ve heard is awesome but I’m unwilling, at this point, to pay $7500 (although my mind is not closed on the matter).

Anyone here have either the Bryston or the Technics player? Will I notice a marked improvement with a new player (as compared to my 508.24)? Like most of you, this is my life. After work, I listen 2-3 hours per day, sometimes more on weekends. Thanks in advance for your advices.
jeroboam

@jafant 

thanks for the follow up

i had emailed the vendor you passed along to confirm part availability, but have not yet heard back

Bryston's 20 year warranty only applies to it's analog amplifiers, not digital player's. The BCD-3's warranty is 5 year's, same as the Technics SL G-700. I do not own either but I do own the Technics ST G-30 Media Server/CD Ripper. I can give you first hand knowledge as to Technics build quality, it is beyond reproach. Both the BCD-3 and the SL G-700 use the same dac (AKM). My Technics ST G-30 sounds excellent. You've read the reviews on the SL G-700, same as myself, I'm thinking about one also. I know a couple online sites where I cannpick one up for $2999, whereas the Bryston BCD-3 goes for $3999. I'm also seriously thinking about a PS Audio Perfeçtwave CD Transport. Of course you or myself would need a separate dac. It's also XLR & I2S through HDMI enabled. It's your option. Either way you go, good luck & happy listening. JJG

jjss49

 

Excellent! Keep me posted on progress. Let me know for further assistance.

 

Happy Listening!

@jafant: it hasn't been delivered yet. I ordered through a dealer who gave me an excellent price, with no tax and no shipping. The unit is being made by Bryston and should be delivered around Christmas. I will certainly provide a full review when I get it.

@gradyjames: thank you for your thoughts on the Technics. I really really considered buying one, and almost did. In the end, my decision came down to manufacturer and dealer support, and I'm confident that I made the right decision. Now the hard part is waiting for delivery ...