I have Cary mono tubes so the 303 would fit very well, but it is impossible to find used here in denmark. I have seen a Sony SCD 777, ½ years old for 1200$ but still can't forget the Wadia. Also I have seen a Classe CDP 1 1400$, LC Audio Zapplayer 900$, Linn Karik 800$, Luxman D-700S 1150$, Holfi Xaurus rex 1300$ all great players but what is the best buy? Thangs Allan |
Sorry to disagree with some of you. I listen to a Forsell transport through DCS upsampling gear frequently, and it does not beat SACD . In CD playback the Sony's are certainly a contender against such high end competition. If it loses in a face off, it is only by a nose.There was a previous thread regarding Sony's SACD players, and in more than one face off the owners of Mark Levinson CD players sold them and bought a Sony. The Sony SACD plyers must be well broken in (500 hours) and need an upgraded power cord and some isolation, then they perform near reference levels for CD playback. Of course different results happen due to differences in individual systems, but the Sony seemed to win by a TKO when many well respected Audiogon members did some reasonably comprehensive tests. |
I've read of more than a couple instances of people trading in their Sony SACD players in favor of Cary 303 / 306 for standard redbook playback. The comments have often been that the Sony sounded thin or lifeless in comparison - Again, I'm talking about standard CD play back. There have been several threads about this on http://audioasylum.com I am obviously biased toward Cary as I own one and based on my listening tests I have to agree. Here are some related comments that I have archived: Click Here Also, it is interesting to note the number of people who use external DACs on their Sony SACD players for regular CD playback. To me, that says they are not satisfied with the Sony for regular CD playback. |
