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Older Cary 306/200 vrs a recent used Cary CD500?

How does the highly reguarded some 10+ year old Cary 306/200 CD player sound vrs the recent discontinued Cary CD500 player? I'm thinking of buying used. Both of these units look interesting to me. Of course I could wait for the newer Cary player due out this Spring...Currently using a Denon 1650AR which I like. Most of my listening is now CD. Really I just want a really good player and be done with it. All comments welcome.
exocet954
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,441 posts
 
Exocet954

How do you like your 3B preamp? I have had the original Modulus3, a 3A which is in my secondary system and the new 3B in my reference system. I think there is a big difference for the better with the 3B. I really makes my system shine.
exocet954 OP
98 posts
 
Hi Stereo5!

The Audible Illusions 3B is awesome. I've only owned two other preamps. A ARCSP6B and the older Quicksilver full function which I think is pretty good.
But, the 3B opens the doors on all my components. It makes my modest system shine as well. I just need a really good CD player and I think I'm good to go... I came close on a used Esoteric X05 but it was to much for me at the time.
exocet954 OP
98 posts
 
Ok guys, I'm back to my original question. A used Cary 306/200 CDP some ten years old with all the great reviews.
Or, the recently discontinued Cary CD500?

All comments welcome. I'm leaning towards the older Cary.
Any thoughts? All the best...
pehare's avatar
pehare
835 posts
 
one thing that always bothered me about the 306/200's remote is it's rather cumbersome & built like a lead brick versus the cd500 which is a nice light modern plastic unit. accidentally dropping or knocking the remote of the 306/200 off a table or shelf is like dropping a hammer. my 306/200 sure sounded fine & was very reliable.
exocet954 OP
98 posts
 
Pehare,

I have to admit I like how steamlined your system is.
I take it you like the Cary 303/300 over your older 306/200?
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