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"Warm" CD player...on a budget.

I can't take it anymore. My CDs sound way too harsh with my Pioneer DV-343 DVD player serving as a transport and my Denon 5800 serving as the DAC. I need something that sounds warm and smooth, but I don't think I can afford to spend more than $500. I've been eyeing the Cambridge Audio D300SE and D500SE models, but won't really have an opportunity to listen to them prior to purchase due to the lack of a local dealer. I've also heard that an Ah! Toejb player can really sing, but I'm nervous about getting anything that has tubes that might or might not need to be replaced in the future.

Who wants to point me in the path of CD righteousness, keeping the budget in mind?
cjcerny
gallaine
114 posts
 
I bought a Sony C333ES SACD player for just over $500. Since they have been discontinued you should be able to find one for the same price or less. In the past two years I have owned a Sony DVD Player/MSB Link DAC II comb($550), Roksan Caspian CD Player ($1600), Aiwa Changer/MSB Link DAC III w/upsampling ($650), and the Sony C333ES SACD player ($1200). In my system the SACD player has been the most natural sounding. Even my wife commented that vocals sounded warmer. Together with a new tubed preamp my front-end has never sounded more musical. As always YMMV and try before you buy (or at least buy wisely and resell for s small loss).
bradz's avatar
bradz
229 posts
 
I too vote for a tubed dac, such as the Cal Sigma. From what I remember reading at one time, the older Sigmas sound a bit warmer compared to the more current II's. Right now, I'm using a Sony 7700 dvd with a Cal Sigma II 24/96 with Mullard 4004 nos 12ax7 and wouldn't listen to music and video without it.I bought my Sigma for around $450. and don't regret it one bit. My system was too revealing and I wanted to smooth out the digital grudge so,I bought the tubed Cal and have been happy ever since. Remember you can always "tube roll" and tailor the sound to your tastes. Good luck and keep us posted.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Rega Planet or better yet for $250 send your DVD player to Stan Warren for modification. Search for lots of threads on Stan and this mod to the Pioneer.
subaruguru
1,374 posts
 
Want my upgraded (new analogue stage) Rotel 855 and Neuance Alpha iso-shelf? Great combo. $350 shipped. You won't be disappointed.
Good luck. Ern
mcp1
41 posts
 
A friend has the Ah Tjoeb and it sounds very nice for the buck - smooth and clean. As for changing the tubes, it's not a big deal, and as others mentioned, you may actually want to to get the sound you want (different brands of tubes sound COMPLETELY different). If not tubes. try looking at used Meridians (I have a 506-20) they have a really nice, balanced sound.
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