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Best Sounding CD / SACD player under 15K

My budget is 15K for a new or preowned CD/SACD player.

Not happy with the McIntosh MCD-500 player. My vintage Denon CD player out performs it. I was very disappointed in the McIntosh MCD500 player. I had the McIntosh MC601 amps and they were disappointing too. No more McIntosh gear for me.

I am on the market now and would like to keep under 15K for a new or preowned CD player. Also no multi format players .

Thanks for any suggestions.
joefama
montejay
285 posts
 
I like the K-03. Had a chance to audition in my system,
Great dac and transport in one box.

Regards,
joefama OP
60 posts
 
Please excuse my typo, I meant Esoteric K-01 SACD / CD player.
melbguy1
1,438 posts
 
Joe, I read the K-01 retails for $22k (and that was 12 months ago), so you'd be looking pre-owned, and it's unlikely any examples will come up soon, but it looks like an impressive deck.
ziggy333a
46 posts
 
Personally Esoteric sounded horrible on my system. Joefama, another player to consider is the Cary 306 pro version ($8,000). It upsamples, plays CD/SACD/HDCD's and is American made. I own the CD-500 and will be my last
CD player. Save your money and buy more music. Do some research on Cary.
talk2me's avatar
talk2me
325 posts
 
Joe, I know how you feel. Even though mcIntosh has a great following and loyal fan base, I sold my MCD500 after 6 months. It sounded great, but did not get me to connect emotionally to the music. Some feel McIntosh is the SOTA, but not me.
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