Best analog sounding cd player under 5K

Bartokfan, it's important to note that the Melody CD-M10 (there's no 'hi' in it's name, BTW) that is imported into the US is different than the one sold in China. The model your contact in HK was able to listen to most likely utilizes the Jensen output caps instead of the Mundorf S&G's and the AD827JN op amps which are not part of the US or European versions of this fine player, if I am to believe the photos I've been given of the machine internals of the two versions.

Also the player takes a long time to break in and one cannot make a quick judgement as the Mundorf's go through a period where they sound somewhat harsh and congested before reaching their potential.

You mentioned that the Melody was a top loader. That is incorrect - it is a front loading player and the top of the player houses the tube compartment, with an elegant glass cover that may look like a top loading door, but is actually just an access cover.

Mrtennis I am looking forward to your impressions of this player as well as it appears your previous CDP lineup was a fairly well-regarded group. I expect you will also be patient with the player as it does require 250 hours minimum for everything to break in and I believe it is well worth the time involved.

For those with an interest in the Melody CD-M10, here are a few pics:

CD-M10 version with Jensen output caps and AD827JN and opa627 op amps

CD-M10 version with Mundorf S&G output caps and opa627 op amps only

Front view of my CD-M10

Top view of CD-M10

BTW, I am not affiliated with Melody HiFi in any way.

Hi everyone -

I hope I'm not missing something important here, but I haven't learn how to find an analogue sounding digital CD player. Especially a digital CD player that doesn't sound...digital. I know I don't have anywhere near the experience many of the contributes have, so I need to learn this.

Apparently, I have been misled in feeling that a digital CD player would sound analogue. I presumed a CDP/DAC combo would produce the best results. Can anyone help me out on this?

I personally think that a one box cd player is better than a dac- transport combo. But thats only my opinion, others may differ. As for the analogue, If a cd player has some of the flavor of the sound coming out of a vinyl rig then it has an analog-like sound. I just have return from a long listening session with a UDP1 deluxe. I will write some words and post tomorrow here.
Alan

A I said I own a Musical fidelity Kw DM System, transport + Dac. The connection between the two is digital balanced, and the two are available to be bought separately; however the KW Trans can only be used with the KW Dac. The Dac sports bouble single-ended output, one valve one solid state. To my ears is treble in particular is very defined and analogue-like, and fatigue is non-existant.
Better sounding CDP's may be around but ultimately I haven't heard any better as jet.
Not a cheap option at £4000 (I live in scotland).
I recently listened to the Copland CDA 823 (at exactly half the price of the KW), a nice little player that altough it hasn't got the kind of resolution of the MF KW it shared the same un-digital and free sound.
Indeed worth a look with budget in mind.
Another exellent player is the Meridian G08, very nice but musically leaves me a bit detached.
Hope this can help