I agree that the CD-7 is one of the best, if not THE best CDP you can get for under $10k. Before getting the CD-7, I have evaluated in MY system the following players:
- MBL 1531
- Audio Aero Capitole mk II
- Audio Aero Capitole Reference
- Audio Aero Capitole Reference Signature
- Accuphase DP-500
- Accuphase DP-78
- Accuphase DP-700
- Krell KPS-20i
- Krell Evo 505
- Resolution Audio Opus 21
- EMM Labs CDT SE / DCC2 SE
- Naim CD555
Out of all of the pplayers listed, CD-7 was clearly the best on redbook CD format (I do not care about SACD).
Recently, I borrowed the new dCS Puccini for a week and that was the first CDP that bettered CD-7. The only problem I have with dCS is that it costs $20k ... over double of what CD-7 costs.
Oh well.