Tube CD player?

I had two Jolida JD100, a Granite 657, an Opera Consonance Reference 2.2 and an Audio Aero Prima mk2 (I've had a bunch of solid-state cd players too). My favorite of the tubed group is definately and without a doubt the Audio Aero.

The Jolidas were nice but a little slow, the 2.2 is very very similar but perhaps with a tiny bit better imaging even when the Jolidas had black plate 5751s. The Granite was not very good - it is veiled and its dynamics fall short compared to the AA. The AA seems to do everything right - it isn't very analytical but all the detail is there and it has body and texture as well. Great CD player for the money and gets my highest recommendation.

Arthur

I love my Cary 308-T.

Not as detailed or authoritative as the solid state players I've tried including Cary 303/100 and 303/200 but MAN, this thing communicates music.

I second the Audio Aero for a tube based player - much better than the Rega Planet, Unison Unico CDP, and Linn Genki.

The Audio Aero is warm to neutral, naturally detailed, without any strain. It get the texture and tone of instrument right, more than any CDP I had. Piano has the right weight and mechanics of the piano are realisticly reproduced.

At the current used prices for the Prima MKII CDP I doubt there is anything that can beat it. It easily is worth the asking price.

And a slightly different alternative: If you are interested in more affordable options, I would recommend looking into PC audio using a good qualty USB DAC like the Scott Nixon tube DAC. Alternatively a USB to SPDIF converter combined with a Mhdt Paradisea would be very affordable alternatives. I currently use a Wavelength Brick USB DAC aside from the Audio Aero Prima.

Good luck in your search!!

I have to speak more about the Granite 657 vs the AA Prima . I have had both and think that the Granite is a clear step above the Prima . The Granite has much better PRaT than the Prima which I found to be a bit slow . I have also found the Granite to give a bit better extension in the highs with less nasties and a little better with details . To me the Granite is just more musically satisfying to listen to .
And then there is the transport problems that the Prima MKII's experienced . That is why the new models came about using the Sony transports . I went through three transports , under warranty , before AA finally sent me a new model featuring the Sony unit . Very good customer care !
Granite , as mentioned above , is a small mom & pop company where the designer-builder answers the phone and your questions !
New , I think that they are about the same price and Granite will let you audition for 30 days .
Used , the Granite is almost impossible to find . The Prima would be a crap shoot with the transport .

Saki - as far as I can tell, you are the only person that has had transport problems with the Prima. I know several other Prima owners that haven't had any issues and mine is going on two years old, played everyday, and it hasn't ever missed a beat. You just had bad luck like anyone one else can have.

As for the Granite, I had the opposite experience. I have a local Granite dealer and wanted to like it but any way I tried it, it had poor transparency. The SS output was better but still a big step down from the Prima Mk2.

Maybe the Granite is overly sensitive to cables and my cables didn't work for it but in any case, I didn't like it. Goes to show, you have to try things for yourself and in your own system!

Arthur