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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
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Raysonic CD 128. A friend raved about it. I couldn't believe it sounded as good as he said it did. But he was right. Even sounds better to me playing the CD layer of SACDs than my Sony XA777ES did playing the SACD layer. Dave
slikric3000
638 posts
 
I had a Roksan I thought was pretty good, I would buy another.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
The Resolution Audio CD-50 did exactly what you describe for me with the first cd. I distinctly remember thinking, this is what they mean when they say this "sounds like analog." After a couple of years it sounds just as good.
My Linn Genki has a similar quality but I was more prepared for it.
mattybumpkin
590 posts
 
Music Hall CD25, especially in HDCD mode.
jdlepera's avatar
jdlepera
234 posts
 
Your question should be which manufacturer breaks in their player 100 plus hours before selling.Electronics/parts have to break in before sounding their best.If you are Wowed in the beginning enjoy it briefly because the sound is going to change usually for the better.JD
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