2. digital
  3. 1267341607

Which is the best cd player under $10k?

I am trying to find the best cd player under $10k (new or used) either a current or recent offering which has a warm, vinyl-like sound, wonderful holographic imagining, large soundstage, nice details & beautiful tonality without being hyper detailed, etched and which avoids the two extremes; cold and analytical to too warm and syrupy?

Choices so far have been Accuphase dp-500, Audio Research cd-8 (but lacks up to the minute digital inputs), Playback Designs MPS-5, EAR Acute & Luxman DU-80. Given the many choices, i'm pulling my hair out. Let me know your thoughts!
melbguy1
gsm18439
895 posts
 
Ancient Audio Lektor Prime
Ag insider logo xs@2x
knownothing
1,574 posts
 
Look at the products from any company whose name starts with an "A"***, plus Esoteric X-03SE and Wadia 581.

***like: Audioaero Prestige, Audio Note CD-4.1x, Audio Research CD5, Ayon Audio CD-5, Ayre C-5xe(with MP upgrade).

The "best"? HA! These are all good, and slightly different, but could be said to have the characteristics you are seeking. The "best" thing to do is get yourself into a store and listen to them - or start buying and trading used on Agon stopping when you find what floats your boat.
face
516 posts
 
Another vote for Ayon.
melbguy1 OP
1,438 posts
 
02-28-10: Schipo, I am sorry Schipo you are annoyed I exercised my free right to open a genuine thread asking for advice on best options for a digital front end in my price range. I find your comment that I am somehow "curious and fishing for an answer" antagonizing to be frank. I think you're the one fishing for a response, but I refuse to bite..
melbguy1 OP
1,438 posts
 
02-28-10: Tbg, I strongly disagree with your statement "these questions never reach any consensus and cannot be used by anybody"...Well I greatly appreciate the time taken by fellow AG'ers and will use the feedback from members to help me take a decision about my next digital front end.

"All that they turn out to be is the "mine is bigger than your" male contests." - Blame individual members Tbg, don't throw mud at the whole AG community!
More to discover