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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
mes
393 posts
 
Is it me, or have sanibel/hi-fi farm's sales pitches become...yaaaaawn.... uh, tiresome? Balanced, informative contributions from some dealers, such as those I recall from Audiokinesis could be an example for those dealers/distributers who wish to offer up an opinion and promote a product they offer. Far more palatable, and probably effective, than the egregious pimping of products so often witnessed on this site. In the dictionary, under redundant, it says "see redundant".
grandpad OP
151 posts
 
Thank you everyone - ordered the Aero Capitole 24/192. This was a tough one. A couple of factors went into my decision. First, while I like as much detail as possible, musicality is most important. Lakefrontroad's comments therefore struck a cord. Have heard the dcs Purcell/Delius combo which, at first sounded fantastic, but after awhile didn't seem to have enough "life" for me.

A second factor is that I have a large, very bright room and many of the solid-state DACs I've tried have sizzle or glare at the top end in my setup. Switched from a solid-state pre to a Joule LA-100 mk III (currently being upgraded to 150 status by Jud) as part of attempts to tame the room.

My decision came down between the Capitole and Mephisto II. Since I recently picked up a used Audio Aero Prima player to use in my study and like it, I thought it might be worth the chance to move up to its big brother. I'll let you know how things turn out.

Next step is amplifier(s) for my Von Schweikert VR-5HSEs! Bel Canto 2.002 was good but mid-range seemed a little strange, not quite real - tough to describe. Spectron Muscian II, on short listen sounded great but will probably continue looking - can't solve everything too quickly or I'll have no excuse to spend a couple of hours a day on Audiogon!!

Thanks again one and all for helping out an old Grandpa, you're terrific.
casouza
239 posts
 
I suggest that you work on room improvements, before spending more money on a digital front end.
The room contributes A LOT to the sound quality (or lack of).
Having moved several times while keeping the same equipment and cables, I have learned this lesson over and over.
Invest in a nice area rug with underpadding, install large/thick curtains, buy a few extra upholstered items. Cover all glass surfaces and hang paintings or posters on your walls, never glass-covered prints.
Good luck
subaruguru
1,374 posts
 
I agree, Casouza...when in doubt, deader is better!
grandpad OP
151 posts
 
Casouza, I agree on the importance of the room. Just added another area rug with underpadding, and spent an hour in a drapery shop just this afternoon!! Also looking for a rug to hang on one lateral wall (a fireplace is opposite). Like to experiment with some room "tuning" devices, but no dealers out my way to borrow some to try, and they tend to be rather expensive to "buy and try". But I'm aware of the issue and working on it.
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