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What to upgrade from Bluenote Koala? $3500 ish

I am thinking about upgrading from my BlueNote Koala Tube CD Player. I've done A-B comparisons to Audio Reseach CD3 MKII, BAT VK-D5 and Lector CDT.7. Each of those players resolved detail in a more musical way to my ears, and had a deeper more hologaphic soundstage. The Bluenote Koala is very dynamic, but has a rather forward solid state sound to it, albeit very musical. It is wonderful, but when I did the A-B tests, it was bested. I listen to jazz, Singer/Songwriter, blues, Rock. Artists such as: Keb'mo, Nora Jones, Diana Krall, Bruce Cokcburn, Amos Lee, James Blunt, James Taylor, Sting, Aaron Neville, Larry Carlton, Rippingtons, Russ Freeman, Brian Bromberg etc. Hence my search. I'd like to spend no more than $3500 or so. Here is my short list, new and used:

Cary 306/200 (Can't afford the 306SACD)
Cary 303/300
Audio Research CD3 MKII
BAT VK-D5 0r VK-D5SE
Resolution Opus 21
Rega Saturn
Dare I consider the new Shanling CD-T1500 or Raysonic CD128

My System:
Audio Research Vsi55 Tube Integrated
Proac Response 3.5 Floor standing Speakers
BlueNote Koala Tube CD Player (Sovtek 6922's)
Acoustic Zen Satori Shotgun Speaker cables
Acoustic Zen Silver Ref II IC
Running Springs JACO Power Conditioner
Wireworld Silver Electra 5/2 PC on BlueNote Koala
Black Sand Silver Ref V/Oyaide 046 PC on ARC Integrated
Oyaide XXX AC Wall socket with Carbon fiber Mounting plate
FIM Isoltation roller blocks under components
Dedicated audio Acrylic Cable lifters
128x128groberts3
baranyi's avatar
baranyi
719 posts
 
Foodfeak,
Could you give me your thoughts about the Stibbert. I have been thinking about getting one. Are they more row one or mid hall sounding? What I have been told is that they are a bit on the warm side but sound very organic. Is this your opinoina also? Bob
groberts3's avatar
groberts3 OP
38 posts
 
The Stibbert does look tempting. It competes in some very highly regarded company. I too would love to hear from those who have compared the Stibbert to the Koala. Or to anything else for that matter?
foodfeak
6 posts
 
I have not had a long listen and would advice you not to buy a Stibbert from what I have to say, but from what I can remember. I think your analogy of mid hall and front row would compare the Koala and the Stibbert very well. I think these player are very close to a TT the Stibbert more so, but do lack the sound stage as do most CD player. You have to remember Bluenote are very well known for there TT, and I presume they have used that experience when they developed these players - and in my option with great success. I wonder if a lot of people who have heard them have not listen to vinyl so just compare them to other CD player which I think do them a real injustice. They both sound very musical and natural the Stibert resolves more detail has a bigger sound stage with better separation just seems to be a lot more air around instrument and vocals making everything sound more real.
groberts3's avatar
groberts3 OP
38 posts
 
What is "TT?" Having a brain fade. Not sure what you mean?
bobf
207 posts
 
Turn table G-3.
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