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Cambridge CD500se as good as Planet 2000??

I am building a new system, and would greatly appreciate advice.
I can get good deals on both of my prospective CD choices, the CD-500se ($300 US) and the Planet 2000 ($600 US), both of which I've heard good things about. Is the Rega noticeably better? Worth twice the price?
The rest of my system is:
Rega Mira integrated
Totem Model 1 Sig.
Kimber 4TC/ Silver Streak

I listen to some of everything, but mostly Jazz, acoustic folk/pop.

Thanks for any informed advice.
128x128trentcanuck
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
The Rega is different, a little more laid back. A friend was able to demo both players in his home and bought the Rega. The D500SE is still a very good $400 player.
ehart
215 posts
 
I have listened to both, and found the Cambridge (which I listened to very carefully) to be bright for my taste. I listened with budget electronics (Cambridge and NAD integrated amps).

The Rega sounded good, but the top-loader design wouldn't work in my space, so I didn't do real careful listening.

- Eric
fineberg
151 posts
 
You might find an Arcam Alpha 8se or even and Alpha 9 in this price range and it is much better than either of those players.
natalie
404 posts
 
And the Rega wont break down on a weekly basis.
A few local dealers have dropped Cambridge.Not because of sonics but because of reliabilty.
I bought a cd-6 2 years ago.Lasted 4 hours broke down.I returned it.Never again a cambridge product for me.
karls
332 posts
 
Definitely get the Rega, you'll be very happy with it and you won't find anything better for $600.
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