CD Player with a Front Row Presentation?

My Copland CDA 289 is pretty upfront and dynamic. It has a crisp, articulate, extended treble, deep bass, and a clear midrange. It is not aggressive but it is lively. You can occasionally find them used in the $1300 range. Happy listening!

I used to own a Cal Audio CL-15 CD player / processor.

I seem to recall that it has a rather immediate sound.

If you don't want laid back and you want the sound thrown at you- so to speak- and money is not a concern, get a pair of wilson watt/puppies, they give you 'in the front row if you like it or not sort of sound' which many people don't care for when casually listening. I think it would be easier to use other components to make the sort of improvement your looking for instead of a cdp, what is the associated gear? have you tried cable tweaks?? Happy listening ~Tim

It will be easier to get what you want with the choice of an amplifier, cables, and speakers, more than a CD player. Nordost cables tend to be forward, especially the Blue Heaven and SPM.