2. misc-audio
  3. 1372134404

Rack for System and CD player recommendations

We've recently finished putting together our first system of note after a number of months of listening and research. Being classical musicians we were particularly interested in equipment that would produce as true fidelity as possible for acoustic recordings.

Our equipment:
LFD LE IV Signature integrated amplifier
Harbeth P3ESR Speakers
Musical Surroundings Phonomena II phono stage
Rega RP6 Turntable
Exact II Cartridge
Cambridge Audio Sonata CD30

The Cambridge we got at a very reasonable price new as it had been discontinued but we are looking to upgrade in that department at some point. Also we have everything housed in a large cabinet which is not optimal, especially it seems for the turntable and the speakers (speaker stands are also in our future). Any recommendations for an appropriate CD player for what we listen to and are trying to achieve as well as an appropriate system rack to help maximize the sound of the system?

Many thanks in advance from this newbie...I've trolled the forums many times for input and have learned a lot from so many of you.
soundjudgement
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
CD player must be an Oppo. Great sound, great value.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,928 posts
 
If your budget is around $1600, I'd give Music Direct a call and grab a Marantz SA-15S2b SACD player. Even though it's a SACD player, it will do wonders with your CDs. Even if you don't primarily listen to SACDs (like me), consider it. It is a wonderful player for the price and the latest MD catalog has one listed for that price.

It can unravel the music down to the note. Massed strings, as well as solos, sound beguiling. It reveals the layers and spotlights nothing, but you'll find yourself trying to follow all that's going on. It gives equal weight, laterally, to the soundstage and speaking of weight, it brings much needed gravitas and body.

I guess you can tell I like mine. Being a demo, MD will still give you a 30 day trial period. I'd at least try it out if it's within your budget.

As for your predicament concerning a rack, I've always been partial to Timbernation.com. Chris makes a fine product and it's up to you how you want it to look. He's not cheap but what he makes will last a lifetime.

All the best,
Nonoise
soundjudgement OP
2 posts
 
Hey Buconero, thanks for the response but what does "CD player must be an Oppo" mean? I'm pretty new to all this so a lot of the slang gets by me.
More to discover