2. digital
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Warm CD player for older CDs with digital glare?

If this was my main criteria for a CD player, possibly because I have a 2nd more highly resolved player for better recordings, what would you recommend?
When an upper midrange (or sometimes mid-midrange) note is strong on some redbook discs, it can go "over the top" and sound like glare, and I don't like that at all.

I have read that the Meridian 808.3 (or .2) is a warm player and that its aprodising filter (sp?) helps with "pre-ringing"
(is that what I'm hearing on vocals that soar into painful territory on redbook discs since the dawn of digital?)
So is the Meridian a candidate?

Someone mentioned Alex's big NWO player to me, or
the Ayon 5.

Thanks in advance.
rgs92
bobheinatz
722 posts
 
I have only heard the w/o tubes Isis. There is a review on the tube version on Positive Feedback I think. Also check out the Tone Mag. review on the Isis. Most who have heard both liked the ss verison better. YMMV.
rgs92 OP
974 posts
 
Thanks again Bob for your time. I was wondering if you heard the Burm. 089 and it also deals well with glare and lesser-mastered CDs. Sorry to take up your time.
bobheinatz
722 posts
 
Rgs92,

I have heard both the Burmester 089 & 001 but in different systems. Both have the beltdrive systems that makes them unique and very analog sounding and quite smooth. Although
quite expensive the built quality is top notch. How they rate with the Isis I don't know. But all 3 will not have the typical digital glare. I believe there is a 089 for sale now on this site.
tmsorosk
1,013 posts
 
I use a Levinson DAC for taming down hard sounding disc's . In fact I use it most of the time that way .
shay123
72 posts
 
I have found that when I plug my cd player directly into my modified Dynaco and use the Dynacos volume control and eliminate the preamp all cds sound natural. You would be surprised how much of that glare comes from the preamp- tube or solid state. Also I have found that when u do this u do not need an expensive cd player at all. I use 2 cheapie Pioneer cd changers and they sound great when plugged directly into the Dynaco ST-70 tube amp. When I use the preamp in between the glare returns. Also detail and realism are increased when u plug directly into the amp. Hope this saves u some money and lots of frustration. Another option is to buy a cd player with a volume control. There are some available new and used.
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