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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
rmrobinson1957
57 posts
 
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.
kitch29
316 posts
 
Marantz 8001.

Wow! was actually:"Oh-oh, I need a better turntable and cartridge. Immediate reaction, too.
thorman
1,262 posts
 
have to say the Meridian 508/24....Still have it
ehaller
98 posts
 
My Ayre CX7e. Blew me away, and still does.
ontjesr
157 posts
 
Well, I was blown away by two players, out of the box without any prior listening experience. The first was a Nakamichi OMS-7 back in 1985-86 and the 2d was a Sonic Frontiers SFCD-1 Tubed unit bought a few years back (which replaced the Nakamichi unit). I was not expecting what I heard, especially from the SFCD-1 which I have a clearer recollection of than I do the Nak unit, of which I had for nearly 20 years (no repair work ever required/needed).
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