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difficulty finding CD player match for Magneplanar

I have a California Audio Labs Mk II CD player (CAL) that has one channel going out. I might be able to get it repaired (if I'm lucky), but I wanted to listen to the latest CD players to see if I could find a replacement.

I home-trialed an Arcam FMJ-something at around $1000 U.S. Too bright, not enough bass, not enough "power" to drive rock and jazz/fusion.

I home-trialed the much-vaunted Rega Saturn. Not enough "power" or bass for rock/jazz fusion, upper midrange and highs OK, but lower midrange sounds like being in nosebleed section of concert hall (very distant and hard to understand).

I've got Magneplanar MG-IIIa speakers, original Adcom preamp and 60w/ch. amp.

It seems to quite troublesome to find a CD player for the Maggie's in my listening room that isn't too bright or too distant and has enough power/drive/authority and solid bass to really drive electronic music.

Neither player was really involving. They seemed to present information off the disk, but just didn't grab my interest. Pretty boring. Good detail, good this, interesting that, but in the end, not enjoyable.

Others have raved about Arcam players and about the Rega Saturn, but they haven't worked for me in my system.

Anyone had similar experiences with the Maggies and found any players that worked better with the Maggies?
timoteo
elevick
2,638 posts
 
I don't get it? CD players don't have the power, "Power amps" do. A 60wpc older Adcom was never a good match for those speakers. Newer cd players should sound better, maybe just a little less gain than you are used to.

In my opinion, go look at some 200wpc amps and perhaps a lesser cd player.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,911 posts
 
I used to have an Icon player and the MG IIIa's also.

I replaced it with the Denon player I use now and I thought that an improvement.

The mhdt Constantine DAC I use with the Denon currently in my system is the best combo that I have had yet.

You need considerable power I believe to get the best out of those Maggies, I believe though.
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,306 posts
 
My Muse model nine CD player has superb bass, it really has that quality that makes me want to listen again and again. Another classic is a Meridian 508/24, very engaging.

fwiw both these players are a bit old but stand up very well.
xiekitchen
821 posts
 
I don't want to insult you, please understand, but ditch the adcom preamp! I would start 'home trying' lots of other pre's or, try a really good passive pre with the cd player and your reaction should be WOW where have you been all my life? yeah the other guys are right about the maggies needing some power and current... 150 - 200 watts per channel and some current dumping ability.. THEN try out the Saturn!
I have a Rega Jupiter 2000 I am VERY satisfied with.. have tried it with various speakers and the whole sys. ROCKS with my vintage modded JBL Horizons...
BTW the Maggies are excellent! Keepers-- hang on to those.
rooski
37 posts
 
Before dumping money into other things, let's start with your original question, were you happy with the sound you were getting from your CAL player, in your system?
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