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Best one-chasis CD/SACD player under $15 000?

Hi, I'm currently running an all Electrocompaniet top system with EMC-1UP as a source. However I will be changing to Classe amplification (my speakers are B&W 800 Di) quite soon so it makes sense to upgrade the source as well. Sadly Classe doesn't make CD players anymore so I'm in the market for a robust, huge and neutral sounding CD/SACD player that would be a real step up from EMC-1UP. I don't want any artificial sweetening, tubes, colorationes etc. Just pure signal. However I don't want to go separates (not to mention 4 block monsters a-la dCS). Can I buy real Hi End sound in one chasis under 15 grand?
antonkk
gfroman's avatar
gfroman
142 posts
 
I personally own the Modwright modded OPPO 95.
A great player especially for the $.
I am a dealer for Esoteric and have sold the K-01 's to happy customers.
Personally I would love to own the K-01 but cannot afford this state of the art player. Have not done any direct comparisons.
denon1
349 posts
 
I would also recommend Ayon cd-5s. In my system sounded better ( more 3d and more natural) than esoteric-k03.
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
it has been suggested that the modwright modded oppo 95 is a bit on the tubey side, not neutral.

i suspect esoteric to be closer to neutrality than a unit that has a tube analog stage.
washline
208 posts
 
Ayon cd-5s does not play SACDs, correct?
washline
208 posts
 
James6462, you say that the K-03 is very close to the K-01. I assume you've had a chance to compare. Could you elaborate further? There have been a lot of responses on this comparison with many assuming a step down for the K-03 and in some instances a substantial step down according to some listeners. I'm curious though to hear more of your thoughts on this.
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