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Best analog sounding cd player under 5K

Hi,

Im looking for a new or used one box player mainly for redbook. My budget could go up to 5K.
I know and have read a lot of threads about cd players but none deals with the analog sounding issue. Also, not everyone like his cd player to sound like his analog set up.
I can define analog, as neutral(good tonal balance), organic, natural, with a lot of low level information retrieval, inmediacy,with very good 3d image, not forward sounding and not analytical. I think the extension at both ends is not a must. Obviously, It cant be dark or too bright sounding.

I have in my short list so far, resolution opus, bluenote sttibert, apl denon 3910, audio aero capitole mkII, ayre Cx5.
For the reviews and comments on several forums it seems that the most organic and natural sounding is the Stibbert. How does it compare with the others? And also what other should be included in this list?
Thanks
Alan Brain
128x128alanbrain
ckoffend
684 posts
 
Coolhand, is user replaceable transport slang for computer CD-rom drive? I am not giving you grief, just wondering if that is what is meant by that. I have not heard the Unison Research players, I'll keep my eye out.

Last weekend I picked up a Levinson 390S. While I like it, it does not fit the description of the poster's goals of being analog sounding (ie. like an AMR or AA). It also took me 20 minutes to figure out how to open the drawer - I actually had to read the manual for this!
smw30yahoocom
154 posts
 
Ckoffend, thanks for your take on the cd players. I went to Seattle last spring and listened to approx. 10 players and the best one of the bunch (in my opinion of course) was the Sim Audio dac300, it was also one of the cheapest. I have my amps in for service and they are being returned next week, so I am really tempted to buy this dac, at least for a start. I am also interested in the Esoteric XO-5, but it doesn't have digital inputs. There are getting to be so many good players/dacs that do high resolution music making it hard to make a decision, especially when you can't hear them. Sandra
ckoffend
684 posts
 
Sandra, the new SA-50 has digital inputs. I myself have been keeping an eye out for one of these at a favorable price used (the only way I typically buy, I know, I am a cheapo). I had the X-03SE and loved this player. Make no mistake though, it is not "analog" sounding (per OP's quest).

As to the Sim Audio, I have also been keeping my eye out for a supernova (one is now available used) which has the digital inputs as well as the next model up. Price certainly doesn't correlate directly with what one likes and outside of being able to afford something, shouldn't be a factor in choosing what one buys, likes or dislikes.
allchemie
118 posts
 
A great player is the Modwright Sony 5400ES Ultimate Truth Mod. You can get a Sony 5400ES for about $1,200 and then send to Modwright for the $2,000 Ultimate Mod. You end up with an incredibly good CD/SACD player. It is probably better than anything under $10,000.

Another excellent cd player is the E.A.R. Acute cd player. It lists a bit ovwer $5,000. but you should be able to find it used for between $3,000-$3,500.

Greg
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