CD Player: "Love at First Listen" recommendation


Hi,

I was interested in opinions on (unmodified) CD players that you loved the very first time you heard it.

In other words, it was new to your ears (there was no "burn in" period).

Also, you knew you had to have it before you could feel pressure to like it just because of any of the following: 1) the high cost, 2) the perception of the particular brand, 3) peer pressure, or 4) connection to the manufacturer or store.

Any price (but under $4K)

Thanks!
darsue
CAL Icon player for me in 1989. Suddenly I realized that my CD's were actually pretty good!
Just to further clarify my question, I'm looking for recommendations of those players that gave you a "wow!" response that was significantly greater than your initial expectation on your first "out-of-the-box" listen. (Not like: "I listened to this for 100 hours and the soundstage really started to open up...,etc.)
I'll second the CAL Icon; I bought mine in 1990. I was using an inexpensive Sony player and the Icon was a revelation in comparison. It took all of about 15 seconds to decide I wanted it. (The rest of the system - Adcom GFP-565, NAD 2600a and Maggie MG-1.4.)

More recently, a Meridian 588 (took about 30 seconds to decide on this one!) This is a great player and can be had for under $2k.

Bob R.
Marantz 8001.

Wow! was actually:"Oh-oh, I need a better turntable and cartridge. Immediate reaction, too.