Okay......best single box reference CD player

Yeah, no DarTZ here, just a "lowly" Rowland Continuum 500 and Vienna Acoustic speakers. I think the MPS-5 is going to payoff for anyone with a transparent and revealing system, tube or SS.

The Playback Designs turns out to be my most expensive component by a small margin, BUT that'll probably change in '09 when (if) I get a larger room and move up the line in speakers.

Dave

>>Its weird that everybody who has an Evolution Acoustics speaker has a Darzteel amp<<

Not if you are familar with all of them.

It's not a coincidence.

I'm using my Playback Designs with Lamm 1.2 Ref. monos and Talon Firebird Diamonds. Not that I wouldn't want the Darts and MM3's but I'm happy with what I have.

One can come to trust a dealer after a number transactions. If a dealers recommendations turn out as promised that dealer earns your trust. That's how a dealer will build a successful business with many loyal customers.

So I agree with Mr. Feil that's it's no coincidence. I would hope that he too has such loyal customers.

But enough of dealer attacks, lets get back to the best one box player.

Frank

Dont ever buy a Mark Levinson #39, pure junk, I have owned mine for 4 years. Nothing but trouble, I have 20 year old el cheapos that still play. Last year I spent $800 geting all the caps replaced, the drawer recaled (that took em 1 month),and other stuff. This year my transport went out, $600 for that part and what ever for labor.
IN THE END A $6000 piece of crap.
oh but when it plays it does sound good, if it plays.

LEVINSON should be ashamed, used to think they made quality...boy I was wrong.

Give me a Wadia

I can't believe no one listed the Ayre C5xe in the list. This is the one to beat. You must use it in balanced mode however.