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What CDP gets really close to vinyl?

Hello, I have been looking for a CD player that is truly airy, transparent, and in this sense similar to vinyl. So far I did not have much luck. I tried a variety of brands, from Rega to Meridian to Ayre, and now own an EAR Acute. Each of these players is wonderful in its own way, but the sense of spaciousness, air, the "I am there in the symphony hall" feeling has never achieved what I can get with a good turntable and good cart. Has anyone had better luck?
ggavetti
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
Agree with the above about source material, really great CDs get close. Get a copy of "Equinox" , which was recorded with superior technology to see what can be done.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,407 posts
 
"I would argue that you just don’t have the quality of software with cd's (or sacd’s) in comparison to (original) vinyl. No machine can make great sound out of questionable source material.'

On an absolute scale perhaps, however not all vinyl recordings are equally good nor are all CD recordings equally bad. in fact, some vinyl recordings are pretty bad and some CD recordings are pretty good.

So on a case by case basis at least, which is what really matters, CD quality can sound better than similar vinyl, especially if well mastered or remastered.
zmanastronomy's avatar
zmanastronomy
738 posts
 
Well said Mapman.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
muzikat
929 posts
 
I also like Resolution Audio. I think the Resolution Audio Opus 21 is about as good as digital gets. Compared mine (GNSC modified) with Audio Note turntable TT 2. Could not tell the difference.
pani
1,219 posts
 
You should try and listen to "The last record player" by Einstein Audio, amazingly analog sound.
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