Need advice for a front end

the 303 and 508 are both great. i own the latter but have listened to the cary many times. i'd say try 'em both at home if you can...if not, go for the cheaper one (probably the 303)...you'll be happy either way.

One of the best "deals" on cd players that I have seen is the parasound belt drive (cbd/2000) since you have a dac it works as a wonderful transport-the parasound was built by cec($$$) and you can find it used for about $750. I have compared it to the 508.24 and the 500 and felt it was at least the meridian's equal. As always try to home trial whatever you want to buy whenever possible. If YOU can't hear the difference why spend 2-3 times as much for a transport.
Good Luck

I saw an Electrocompaniet EMC 1 on auction for $2200 the other day, if you can swing the extra $200 I'm sure you'll be happy with it. Not to offend anybody but the EMC 1 beat both the Meridian and the Cary in my ears.Search the forums and you'll see a lot of regulars here agree with me.Happy Hunting.

What were the differences in sound between the Cary and the Meridian s2k dude? Do both of the units have upsampling?

I did hear the Electrocompaniet EMC about 2 years ago in a dealer in London,England and loved the analog sound of the unit. Think it may be out of my budget though.