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CD Player Recommendations 5-8k range please help

Okay guys, looking for recommendations for CD players or trans/dac in the 5-8k range, new or used. My system: 380s Levinson preamp, 336 Levinson amp, B&W Diamond 801 speakers, Audioquest cables. I own and have been using the Levinson 390s cd player (very good all around, maybe lacking in detail?), and recently tried Ayre CX-7e (impressed, good detail and bottom end, but soundstage not as good?). Why am I upgrading? Made the mistake of buying a VPI Scoutmaster, Shelter 501 mk2 cart, and Sutherland PHD phono preamp. Mistake? Not really, the sound with good vinyl kills the cd players I have, but I do not have time for all that is required with analog. I sold the analog system, and am searching for that great sound from a cd player. Help! Any suggestions for me? Thank you in advance!
corvette_tuner
duffydawg
58 posts
 

Hi Corvette_tuner,

I agree with Tvad on this one, for your money, I don't think you will hear better than APL. I have not heard all the units recommended, but I have not heard better than the APL. Please read 711Smilin, and Boa2 for the list of players they have owned before buying APL. You can find some nice APL offerings in Audiogon right now!

Good luck,

Mark
soundsophist
13 posts
 
Classe CDP-202 designed by Alon Wolf who designed the $20k Linn CD12
ajahu
306 posts
 
I would add a PS audio P300. It would make more analogoue sounding the ML 390s, while arguably would also benefit all source analog componenst and your preamp.
krell_man
827 posts
 
A used Accustic Arts CD-1 Drive with the used Accustic Arts DAC-1 MK 3 using a balanced digital cable like the Virtual Dynamics Revelation.
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,319 posts
 
Corvette_tuner, I'll say it again. Cables.
Try the 2 ICs I mentioned.
I have B&Ws and use AZ interconnects.
Increadible detail, smoothness and soundstage.

With a cd player upgrade, you'll gain very little for a lot more money. Your Levinson is fine. Your cables are the performance bottleneck.
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