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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
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).
bearotti
164 posts
 
Three that caught my ear on first listen recently (I try and listen to a whole lot of equipment)...These were the Linn Mimik the Rega Planet 2000 and the McIntosh MVP-841...There is a Mimik on the gon for $350 right now...well below your asking price...the mac is a lot more and the Planet is in the middle. The only thing I can say is get something new, if it doesn't wow you in the first few minutes, box it up and sell it off and get something else to try!

You might also try working with DACs...A lot of great DACs out there...I have owned a few in the $500-1200 range that really were fantastic pieces and just require a so-so transport.
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