2. digital
  3. 1268474410

A headache of choice over CD player

For a budget of between US$5,000 and 7,000, what would you choose of these options - Wadia 381, McIntosh MCD500, Ayre C-5xeMP and Esoteric X-03? Any other suggestions?

I play CDs 99% of the time, not SACD. Just two-channel.

I currently use a Bluenote Stibbert 2007 (improved) and am looking to it step up. I like a big, bold, punchy and transparent sound (if that's not asking for too much!).

I use a McIntosh C220 pre and MC402 power amp, driving Magnepan 1.6 speakers. All cabling, balanced, is MIT CVT Terminator 2.

I'm getting the Wadia home for a demo next week, and can also arrange for the Ayre. The Esoteric will be avaible for home demo next month. But not the McIntosh, which I have to buy "blind", although Mac owners assure me it is the right choice ... :)
bassraptor
bassraptor OP
64 posts
 
I'm running the PS Audio now ...

Two years ago, when I was auditioning CD players, I took a number home to try before almost settling for the Ayre CX-7e. Just as I was about to make up my mind, a dealer friend brought over the Bluenote and when we got it warmed up and running, I went "Wow!" ... Sent the Ayre back and settled for the Bluenote.

The Perfect Wave combo is good, but didn't elicit a similar response from me. So ...

Where I live, there are distributors for Ayre, Meridian, Wadia, Cary Audio, McIntosh, Audio Research, Krell, Esoteric, Pathos, Burmester, dCS, Nagra, Soulution, PS Audio and a few others. However, not all are in my budget ...

Thanks for all the feedback, though ...
tomcy6's avatar
tomcy6
2,589 posts
 
Check out the MP upgrade of tha Ayre players. The Minimum Phase filters are a significant improvement, especially in the area of digital glare or listener fatigue.

All Ayre players are built as MP now, older players can be upgraded for $250 or so.

PS Audio Perfect Wave, Meridian .2 players and the Esoteric SA-50 have similar technology. Do a little research on Minimum Phase or apodising filters.
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
I that price range i would take a serious look at the Perfectwave.
vernneal's avatar
vernneal
438 posts
 
Go for the McIntosh player. You have a Mac amp and preamp I don't need to tell you how great McIntosh is
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
I agree with Verneal. I doubt the Mac player would disappoint.
More to discover