Which is the best cd player under $10k?

There are some problems in trying to translate one's idea of "vinyl" sound into a recommendation to someone else who might have a different take on that kind of sound. So, I will say that, apart from any sort of characterization, I have heard really good sound from a Vacuum State modified Sony SCD-1. These modified machines should also be on a list of those under consideration. I wonder if the now discountinued top of the line Linn machines are still available, those sound nice too.

I have heard the AMR 77 extensively and I would say that it does not need an external dac as it is that good. That unit and only a hand full of others competes with the Bidat. I own the MSB Power DAC (latest version) but the AMR is in another league. I know RobertBrown likes the MSB stuff very much, but as one who had been able to compare the MSB and the AMR 77...it is simply no contest. The AMR is one of the BEST digital players I have ever heard.

Melbguyl, I agree with you that the unit is very heavy...I don't understand your point though. Who buys a $10K CD player (which they would know to be heavy) and then possibly places it on an inferior shelf? My former ML 31.5 was heavy...so was my Wadia 7 and especially my Sony SCD-1...Never had a problem as I purchased an adequate rack...as I believe most audiophiles would do.

I am purchasing the Playback Design MPD-5 DAC and maybe it will beat the AMR, I don't know as yet but I do know that no other DAC I can name at this point has been better. The Weiss Minerva was assassinated by the AMR LOL... that sounds funny but it is true.

The main reason I am not going for it is simply because I am into my Mac Mini as a music server controlled by my iPhone or Harmony 1000.

One thing I forgot about, as of Jan 1st of this year all of the AMR 77's have SPDIF in/out as an option along with USB inputs. The 777 always had this. Just a quick FYI, so you can use it with your' DAC should you find a dac which you feel betters the native performance of the unit.

Thanks for the information, Audiofun, I wasn't aware of that. Then again, I don't think I myself will spend another perhaps $10k on a DAC to reach a comparable sound. However, for somenone who already owns a fine DAC, here comes one of the finest transports of superior build quality around!

Karelfd: My pleasure and yes the unit is a GREAT player and a fantastic transport.