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More CD Player selection woes

I'm looking to replace the "weak link" in my system: A Denon DCD-1560 CD player. While its held its own over the years (being a 20-bit player and all), it is time for it to go.
I find my Well-Tempered Classic TT, EAR Phono Amp, and Grado cartridge to be my preferred setup, but I do want a CD player to come close to that sound. Of course, budget is all constraining so I need help deciding between a NEW Cambridge 840C; or one of those Chinese tube player; Cayin CDT 17A or Shanling etc.; or a USED/DEMO McIntosh MCD 201; or Meridian 208 (if I can find one).
Has anyone had experience with the Chinese models? How do they hold up?
Any help will be appreciated.
thanks
ebuzz
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,557 posts
 
If the player has digital outputs, consider using it as a transport and just add a separate DAC. That will provide the best improvement for the dollar most likely. Then you can try a music server or alternate transport later.

There are lots of threads with good information on various DACs here on Agon.
grinnell
1,120 posts
 
A good used Music Hall CD 25 or 25.2 might work for you. Nice sound. they go for 250-350 used 450 new
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
i own a marantz 11s2. i'm not sure you would prefer it to your denon player, without a statement regardding your sonic objectives.

definitely, stay away from the cayin,. i owned that player. without mods, it is definitely unbalanced in its frequency response.

send me an e mail with your concerns and i will try to answer your questions.

most of the 24 bit players in current production are fatiguing after some duration of listening.
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
Look at used Musical Fidelity players or decoders. They are very good and I have found them reliable.
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Raysonic CD-128. Check the l-o-n-g review on 6moons. Built like a battleship and sounds absolutely wonderful. Two audiobuddies bought them after hearing (or hearing about) mine. I've had the Raysonic for 18 months with zero problems and sold a Sony XA777ES ($3,000 msrp) because the Raysonic sounded better on the CD layer of hybrid SACDs than the Sony did on the SACD layer. They show up fairly frequently here for ~ $1200 used. Good luck, Dave
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