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Looking for a CD player with more life

I'm currently running a Meridian 506.24, which has a very nice, relaxed sound with a big soundstage and just a nice "big" sound. However, I never want to listen to it these days because I'm looking for liveliness, which is not a forte of the Meridian.

So what I'm looking for now is a new, or used, CDP under $2K (closer to $1500 is better) that will give me a lively, punchy sound that is musical and detailed. I'm not looking to better my vinyl rig, nor to get a particularly analog sound - the record player is there for that. I'm looking for liveliness, a big, open soundstage (it's important to me to maintain a good depth of soundstage, but the width can be compromised to save some bucks) and better resolution than my current CDP, and to just want to put on a CD and have fun listening to it.

What I'm considering so far...

Cary 303/300
Simaudio CD1/Equinox/CD5.3 (to match with my I5)
Ayre CX-7e
Naim CD5/5i/5X

Is a newer, lower-end CD player as good as a previous generation, one step up player? I hesitate, for example, looking at a Sim Equinox or Nova compared with a current Equinox SE or CD1...Also, anything else that I should consider that would meet my sonic/musical goals?

Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks,
Ken.
countingbackwards
jhold
116 posts
 
I own a Naim CD5i-2. I run it with a Nait 5i. As much as I like the CD5i-2, I'm not sure it will meet your needs--it rather fits the adjectives you use to describe your Meridian. You might go to the Naim forum and read up on the CD5X and CD2X. Though it sounds like you've done your homework...
bar81
791 posts
 
I think the Ayre CX-7e will be just what you're looking for; it's got a great sense of PRaT.
mlauner
250 posts
 
look at Naim CDX.
digsmithd
913 posts
 
I,ll buy your i5..seriously everybody (thinks) this and that.I say,if you like amp stay with the synergy route.I am receiving a 5.3 next week(bought on gon here).Talked with several shops,there consensus is that its quite a jump up from the equinox level(which i am currently replacing).Oh,oh...thats just what i think,imho.
countingbackwards OP
138 posts
 
A bit of additional info...I am quite happy with the I5 - it is right up my alley sonically/emotionally when using my turntable. It's just the CD's that are lacking life relative to what I like, so that's where the change needs to be made. Basically, the records sound great, and I don't wanna mess with that! Just want to improve CD playback.

Normally I like equipment described as having "PRaT", and enjoy a nice deep soundstage. So I'm interested in any CD player in my price range that meets those criteria, while having a reasonably easy route should I need servicing (ie, no one-man-in-a-garage type of companies).

I should add that I've never managed to audition anything Cary, while the other 3 brands have been subject to auditions - liked the CD5.3 when I heard it, liked both Ayre players when hearing them, and have enjoyed various Naim components when hearing them, though they seemed to have a bit less resolution (or sense of spaciousness) than the Ayre and Sim.
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