Which tube cd player do you like

Why would you focus on a tube in the power supply?

A tube in a CDP does not necessarily imply the tube is in the PS. However, tube PS regulation/rectification in preamps is a major transformation compared to "comparable" preamps with ss PS designs.

Blcube: Keep your eyes open for tube DACs, those designed in the 90s such as the VTL Ref DAC and Sonic Frontiers Processor 3. Both of these tube classics along with the Manley Ref used the outstanding UltraAnalog chip sets and were musical masterpieces. The SF just sold here last week for $2400.....what a deal! This with a low cost universal player would be a great value. All these $10-20k here-today-gone-in-6-months players make no sense unless you are willing to take a big hit with each upgrade.

Agree with Jafox. Quality transport with nos dac and tube output as the iceing on the cake - winner in my book.
But then it all comes down to your taste. If music is high on your list....that is how it is done. No need to follow the latest thrends, unless you must.......and I wouldn't be suprised if I see your post a year from now asking exact same question.
But away all top dogs use these "mistery" non-upsampling/non oversampling nos chips - that includes: Zanden Audio 2000 and latest hit, AMR CD 77.

Mariusz

Listen for yourself and don't worry about tubes or no tubes. The DAC is where it's at and the state of the art DACs are moving forward very fast. You can now buy with confidence that no upgrade will be needed. IMHO, the new technology is the best when it comes to DACs.

Dave

The DAC is where it's at and the state of the art DACs are moving forward very fast. You can now buy with confidence that no upgrade will be needed. IMHO, the new technology is the best when it comes to DACs.

Why exactly should we be confident that no upgrades will be needed if technology is moving forward very fast???????

Sorry but that wasn't your best post David.

You have two schools of thought.
One that was invented and reinvented by famous dCS.
And the other by Yamada San of Zanden Audio.

One tries to use new technology to improve the sound.
The other improves the sound by simplicity and refinement.

Mariusz

i would strongly disagree on the conrad johnson player and suggest instead the audio research ref 7, the lector 7 (original), not the mk 2 or ml 3 and the amr 77.

i had the opportunity to purchase the cj and would not buy it.