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Suggestions for CD player $2-3k used?

I am looking for a CD player/source in the $2-3k range, used. primarily for Redbook CD playback. Other equipment consists of Aerial 9, McCormack DNA500 and VTL 5.5. I like players that have a coherent, natural sounding presentation and do not overemphasize any portion of the frequency spectrum. I do however like players that offer deep, detailed bass and lively dynamics, although I would prefer to stay away from players with on overly up-front or "in your face" presentation, and those that overemphasize the upper frequency range. Players I have considered include;
Meridian G08 (good reviews, like the looks but hate the remote)
Cary 303-300
Ayre CX7e (overly tipped up toward the high frequencies?)
Modded Sony or Denon players - Modwright?
Electrocompaniet EMC-1Up/mkll (does this compete with newer units?)
McCormack UDP-1 Deluxe
Resolution Audio Opus 21 (is this unit dynamic and detailed?)
Sim Audio Eclipse (older technology?)
and lower priced players;
Classe CDP-10 (could be a bargin?)
Sim Audio CD 5.3 (can't find out too much other than from mfg's website)
Any further insight on my choices, or other suggestions would be appreciated.
mitch2
mitch2 OP
3,967 posts
 
Mr. Tennis, I would prefer to stay with newer technology due to the steady advances in digital playback, improvement in parts quality available to the designers, and potential for older transports to break or require repair. The first three listed are probably my top choices right now since they are all well-reviewed, from good companies, and all have balanced outputs (I am considering switching to an Atma-sphere preamp so the balanced outputs would be nice-but not absolutely necessary). The McCormack is another possibility, but would have to be the deluxe model. The Ayre worries me a little since it is sort of the "flavor of the month." I do like American built equipment for the ease of getting repairs or upgrades without shipping out of the country, but if the Meridian is as good as they say, it would still be a contender. I would appreciate any feedback from those who have tried a couple of these units head to head against each other. Thanks.
bblilikoi's avatar
bblilikoi
99 posts
 
Over the course of four months this past spring, I auditioned some of the players on your list and bought the Cary 303/300, which continues to please me, though I think others are very good as well--BAT VK-D5, McCormack UDP-1 Deluxe, and Lector 7T. I have not heard the Resolution Audio Opus 21 or Meridian players.

I thought the Simaudio players were a bit etched for my taste in music (pretty much just classical and opera), though they may be fine for jazz, rock, pop, acoustic folk, etc.

I thought the Ayre C7Xe too "filtered" for my taste, suppressing the natural bloom of my Cary SLI-80 amp. I felt the same with the C5Xe as well. Not organic or lively enough for the music I play.

Electrocompaniet could be very, very good, depending on your system and taste in music. I liked it, though it seemed more laid back than the Cary 303/300.

There are a lot of used Cary 303/300 on A'gon right now for terrific prices--$2,000-$2,400. I bought mine new and these prices seem astonishingly low.

Used BAT VK-D5 also available. It's harmonically richer, to my ear, than the Cary 303/300. Both have balanced outs.

Good luck.
danlib1
819 posts
 
Here's a vote for an Exemplar modded Denon. Great Redbook.
rodman99999
6,130 posts
 
I get to listen to a lot of live music(acoustic and amplified) as a sound tech. I've been using a BAT VK-D5 for the last two years. I've found it a VERY musical/accurate player. It provides everything in the way of resolution/imaging/ambience info/pace/extention(bottom and top) that the rest of my system can convey. I've been bi-amping since 1980, and it has delivered the cleanest bottom of any source I've used. No problems telling the kick from the double bass, and great pitch articulation(providing the recording is good). It's the only piece in my system that I haven't had to mod. The only tweaks necessary: Isolation from vibration is essential(as with any other player), and find some NOS Siemens CCa's from the 60's for it. It also puts out over 2V at the balanced outs, which will drive most amps w/o a pre. I used it with a Placette Passive Linestage for awhile and OH, the transparency!
tboooe's avatar
tboooe
1,009 posts
 
I second the vote for the Cary 303/300. I had this and recently upgraded to the 306. If you like the Cary house sound (warm, organic midrange) go for the Cary.
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