Help with CD Player

First off, what is it that you consider missing from your current CD player?

Not knowing exactly what deficiency you're looking to correct, I would consider a Sony XA7ES or XA777ES (this can do SACD as well). They're built like a tank and sound good, and should be available on the used market from $1000-1200 or so.

Other options include DAC's to use with your current player and possibly computer-based audio in the future. Some considerations would be an Electrocompaniet ECD-1, Benchmark, and Bel Canto DAC3.

You're willing to spend $1500, but for a fraction of that you could have a Music Hall CD-25, which is a very strong player for the money. There are also upgrade modifications available for it that supposedly make it even stronger. It's a great bang for the buck.

Michael

Hello, thank you for all the great response. My CD transport is not tracking well and I do have a DAC, from Enlightened Audio, very old DAC.

What are your takes on CD players with a tube output stage? Has anyone heard them? You feedback is appreciated.

thanks,

buy a refurb sony 595 for $60 from sonystyle, listen and then send it back, or put your $1440 in the bank, and smile. This will change your audio life.

I own 2 tubed players- Raysonic 128 -highly recommended! Jolida JD 100 - I have a modded one-if you can get a modded one it's a budget-player king on the used market.

I also own the Bryston BCD-1 which is an excellent solid state player. At a 1500 budget I'd be looking for a used Raysonic.

Hi jazzpiano - my brother actually has a CEC CD player and likes it, though he prefers a brighter sound than I do - for me, the CEC stuff is too bright. I prefer the warmer sound of the Rega. Many digital recordings are more than bright enough (especially in the early days of digital recording) without your player adding to it IMO. I have not heard any tubed CD players yet, though I would be very interested to sometime. The PrimaLuna one gets very good reviews, both formal and in the forums.