What makes a Cd player a Great cd player

I didn't buy a cd player until 1994 because evry time I brought one home to comepare it to my analog setup, I thought it sucked--cd vs. record. I finally settled and bought a Nad 502, cheap but good sounding for the money. I thought all cd players were overpriced and not worth the price difference from the Nad. I bought a Nad 542 about 1 year ago--still cheap but a little better. I took a chance on a Modwright Sony 9000es signature a few months after that figuring I could easily sell it for at least what I bought it for it I didn't like it. It sounds awesome and for the first time, I had cd's sounding better than my analog. Not all, but quite a few. After hearing this player, I would have to say that it is easier to get great sound buying used cd players (cost wise) than trying to get great analog sound at the same cost. I had a Maplenoll Ariadne air bearing table/arm and I can't equal its sound for a whole lot more money than the Modwright Sony cost used. Just one man's opinion based on results in a very resolving system that I now really love. The VMPS speakers and subwoofer have a clarity, and dynamic quality that is truly hard to stop listening to. There may be better sounding systems out there, but I haven't heard one I would trade for. Until you hear something that sounds this good, it is hard to appreciate spending mega bucks on this. Due to Audiogon, I've been able to assemble an over $20,000 system for under $9,500 including analog, but more importantly, it just works together beautifully and other than achieving live concert levels of hearing lessening sound, I can't imagine what could be improved unless I spend stupid money.

General rule of thumb is 3x your vinyl rigs cost should make your ears pretty comfortable.

The closest to vinyl that I have heard lately is the Esoteric X-05.

(dealer disclaimer here)

I have to chime in on this one. I read from folks I respect that for $3000 you CAN'T get a CD player that sounds as good or "even come close" to vinyl. I read this all to often in print and here on Agon. I stay quiet, but the truth must come out.

Come on you vinyl snobs. Please, this is simply not true for all Aphiles. Even Aphiles with good hearing and the experience and ability to know good sound. I have twice tried the vinyl route spending up to $4000 (used) each time plus having a vinyl expert(experienced audio friend) set up
the two rigs in my home.

Bottom line is I prefer my SACD/CD player thank you. My players are/were;

Current - Cary 306
Sony 900 modified by TRL with battery power supply

I paid $1800 for the Sony and $2500 for the Cary used.

I simply found my CD players to sound better. I also disliked the vinyl noise (clicks & pops etc). Now, I repect those who like vinyl better, that is great for you. However, we need to be careful and not make generalizations that are simply not true for all.

Dorkwad, you may well find a player that pleases you as much or more then vinyl. I have heard CD players costing up to $8000 that I would not own. I have also owned an $1800 player that was wonderful and pleasing in every way to my ears. For me even more pleasing then a good vinyl rig.

I am not saying SACD/CD is better than vinyl, I cannot say that is true. All I know for sure is that it is to me and many others who do have "good" ears. Other "good" ears enjoy vinyl more.

Enjoy and experiment for yourself. The Cary 306 is a fine player under $3000 used. I saw a TRL modified Sony 900 for only $800 used just recently.

Meant my comments regarding the possibility of finding a CD player for $3000 that is as pleasing as vinyl for Ddan6815, not Dorkwad.

A great CD player does not attack you with music, or hyper detail. Rather, it fills the room with pleasing music that is never hard on the ears and always draws you into the music.

"or will I get the realism that I get from vinyl."

It is very difficult to get all the clicks, pops and noise from CD to accurately mimic vinyl but it can be done.