bought a cd1 used from a very kind gentleman in upsate new york. this is the non-tubed version circa '97. i believe many units may best it, but for me it was several delightful steps above my marantz cd6000ose that it replaced. at $600 i feel it was money well spent. this early version and aging player plays music and can be listened to all evening without ftigue setting in. it is not the last word in detail, resolution and presentation, but is a pleasant alternative to my new vinyl passion. for what it is worth, i do not cringe or hesitate to switch from vinyl to cd if the mood hits me and i don't have the lp.
unless metronome forgot everything they knew about digital and stopped learning at the same time, their newer units should be nothing to overlook. that said, when my baby dies, i'll be comparing newer metronome 1 boxes against the capitole and emc1 and decide whether the added expense of these very respected and well reviewed units is warranted.
