2. digital
  3. 1009636389

Help on premium cd player

I've been playing around with separates (upsamplers, dacs, transports) seeking like many something that sounds right (like vinyl?). Lately been trying to find a good transport to work with my, largely used, collection of parts. Have now stepped back and realized that I'm already out $3-4,000 and still don't have what I'm looking for, and tired of the search. I want to listen to music. So switching tactics and looking for a really good player in the $3-5,000 range {used), then sell off my "inventory", rationalize cables and rack space and just enjoy (90% classical, jazz and vocals). My candidates, based on reviews and hours reading threads here and AudioAsylum, are

Accuphase dp 65x or 75
Audio Aero Capitole 24/92
Audiomecca Mephisto II
Electrocompaniet EMC-1 Mk2 24/92
Wadia 860x

As an old banker I get a warm feeling if the manufacturer isn't likely to disappear overnight. To those who suggest that I first audition and trust my ears, I agree 100% in theory, but it's not possible where I live.

Comments/recommendations from those who have owned more than one product or were otherwise able to directly compare two or more especially valued.

Oh, my equipment includes tube and transitor pres and amps so I'm flexible, not a zealot for either philosophy!

Many thanks in advance for your contribution. And apologies if this post is too long, just try to preclude questions rather than answers.
grandpad
tok20000's avatar
tok20000
608 posts
 
You need to add the Cary 306/200 to your list of CD players to review. Cary is a company that has been around forever. They only recently have been making CD players, but they hit some home runs with their first CDPs.

The 306/200 is one of the best one box CDPs in the world right now. Period. I personally think it is a more natural sound than the EMC-1 mk2 (after comparing both in my system).

Anyway, this and $2 will get you a $2 coffee at Starbucks.

Peace.

Keith
gboren
143 posts
 
I agree with Mikelavigne. But you can get almost that good by getting the Linn Ikemi (list = $3600). IMHO, the Ikemi sounds better than any other player or transport/dac combo out there (except for the Sondek CD12).
cornfedboy
1,645 posts
 
grandpad: just a note to you on your accuphase listings. there is a very significant difference between the dp-75 and the dp-75v (indeed, i think accuphase's product designation is a little wacky). the latter model introduced oversampling and employs an improved circuit topology; moreover, the 75v accepts upgrade slots that will allow the d>a sampling of sacd (tho the onboard transport doesn't output a sacd digital stream). i've heard all the cdp's on your list, except the audio aero. i would rank the top 5 in this order:

accuphase dp-75v
accuphase dp-75
electrocompaniet EMC-1 Mk2
accuphase dp 65-v
wadia 860

i would, however, be wary of the wadia products, given your concerns about the overnite disappearance of manufacturers. that already happened with wadia once this year and may well happen again. or so the rumor goes, FWIW. -cfb
stasis
34 posts
 
Grandpad, sooner or later every vetern audiophile comes to the conclusion "I just want to listen to music...". I've probably muttered that 3 to 4 times this year alone.Once was during the search to replace my beloved EAD Ultradisc
2000. Wary of garage built pieces and "this weeks best"
gear, Wadia and Accuphase were considerations, as were Meridian, Linn. The piece that just floored me was the Sim Audio Moon Eclipse. Unmatched build (and looks),upgrades easily, reputalble company, 10 year warranty, reasonable price. Now if I could just find a way to write it off on my
2001 returns...
Best of luck.
abecollins
219 posts
 
Cary 306/200 $5000 LIST but who pays LIST?

http://caryaudio.com/cd306_200.html
More to discover