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Best budget CDP?

I'm putting together a small two channel system based around a pair of Zu Druids and small tube hybrid intgrated amp that I got as part of a HCT HMS-100 package (same as the Vuum Audio VTi-B1 or the Dared MP-5 without the USB port). Also considering upgrading to a Onix SP-3, but that's a differnt story.

I need to find a decent CDP that would be a nice match for this budget system. $1000 would be my max, but I would really like stay ~ $500 if possible, but not if I can't get a nice sounding unit at this price.

I'm also putting a small LCD or Plasma in this room so a nice univeral unit would be even better, but music performance in paramount. Another consideration which makes a univerval unit an attractive option is that I would still have a spare set of inputs to add a TT down the road if I decide to get back into LP's.

Thoughts/suggestions will be much appreciated.

BTW, I only have BB/CC in our town, so I really don't have the option to listen to much and this is why I must ask for help. Used is fine.

Thanks.
jack_dotson
jack_dotson OP
210 posts
 
Many good recommendations here, but I'm still leaning toward the Cambridge units, although the Consonance CD-120 linear also has my interest peaked.

I would really like to hear from anyone that has made a direct comparison between the 740C and 840C. Not interested in the additional features, i.e. XLR's, only how they compare soundwise.

One thing I really like about the Camridge units is the digital inputs. Down the road I could rip my CD's to a squeeze box and run it through the Cambridge.

Cambride sound with a juke box for all my music. Sweet!

I realize the 840 is beyond my original budget, but if it sounds better than the 740 I'm worried I might regret that I didn't get it just to save a few hunderd bucks.

Just wish there was a Cambridge dealer in my area.
beheme
231 posts
 
Pick up a Cambridge CD500 SE for $250 and if you are not fully happy with it, that leaves a lot of money to either buy a tube DAC (or a tube buffer)or upgrade something else.
strateahed
299 posts
 
Here's a set-up that gets the best of both worlds. My entire system is geared towards good HT, with excellent audio. My solution: an Oppo 970HD ($150) for video which also has good quality movie sound; and a Sony 2000ES ($400) for dedicated audio. You can have this particular CDP, or the Sony CE595 ($150) modified by Tube Research Labs (TRL). The mod is $750, so you could have a great player for as low as $900. This player has been compared to analog tape sound, and other CDP's costing nearly $20K. TRL can also do other mods (amps, DACS, etc) with excellent results. Check here on A-gon and other sites for reviews.

I too was leaning towards one of the Cambridge series players, but did not want to sacrifice multi-disc capability in favor of a single play machine. The modified Sony 2000ES was the perfect solution.
jack_dotson OP
210 posts
 
I ordered an Oppo 980H today. From numerous reports it's very good with video and it should do a respectable job with my SACD's and DVDA's. Certainly as good as the Pioneer LDP I'm using now.

According to the Oppo website the 980H was designed for improved audio. For two hundred bucks (2nd day air shipment included) I figure I can't go wrong and it will hold me over while I'm making up my mind on a permenant source.

My Onix SP-3 MKII arrived today so my two channel rig is starting to take shape.
telescope_trade
555 posts
 
I would have to mention the Onkyo DX7555 as a
great player for less than $500 shipped. Just recieved
it yesterday along with the Onkyo A-9555 digital
integrated and breaking them in. The Onkyo is better
than my Oppo 970 out of the box, especially in the
bass. I have never played SACD through the Oppo.
Will be keeping the Oppo though for video duty.
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