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Help to pick redbook player

I want a player mainly for redbook CD listening, but SACD, DVD, DVD-A or changer would be a bonus. I narrowed my choices to these players. I might would have to get two players. I have no opportunity to audition most of them so I am asking your opinions which one has best redbook CD playback, perhaps in decending order:

1.Arcam CD72 - $500 used

2.ROTEL RCC-1055 CD changer $500 used

3.Yamaha DVD-S2300 SACD/DVD-A/DVD $800 new
http://www.yamaha.com/cgi-win/webcgi.exe/DsplyModel/?gCLD00010DVD-S2300

4.Philips 963 SACD/DVD/CD 192upsampling $360 new
http://www.consumer.philips.com/global/b2c/ce/catalog/product.jhtml;jsessionid=4NNPNVRQN2DXUCRQNAVRX2QKGBUTSHAW?divId=0&groupId=VIDEO_GR&catId=DVD_CA&subCatId=DVD_PLAYERS_SU&productId=DVD963SA

5.Sony 222ES changer SACD/CD $300 used

6. Rega Planet 2000 $550 used
http://www.rega.co.uk/html/planet.htm

Are they all pretty close in terms of redbook playback quality or some stand off much more? Thank you!
chelentano
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Don't forget about AH! used that will fit your budget and will probably do the best of above listed.
fs_audio
148 posts
 
Disclaimer: I am a Xindak dealer.

The Arcam is definitely one to look into, which you already have on your list.

As Marakanetz mentioned, the AH! Tjoeb 4000 is very good, I have also heard good things about the Heart CD6000.

Also check out the Jolida JD-100, great product for the money:
http://www.jolida.com/catalogue_components.html

Probably out of your budget, but I would also suggest that you add the Xindak SCD-2 to your list (MSRP=$1695).

Some info on the SCD-2 can be found here:
http://www.xindakaudio.com/en/products/productinfo.asp?id=SACD

Let me know if you have questions or need additional info on the SCD-2.

Best Regards...Mike - Father & Son Audio
tobias
1,534 posts
 
Have you heard the Shanling CD-S100 ? It's in your price range at new retail, and is a very good deal indeed.
deven8
81 posts
 
of your choices I would take for cd playback only the arcam or the rega. If you are going to bring sacd into it then the yamaha.
budrew
467 posts
 
I would recommend the Marantz SA-8260, good with redbook and good with SACD. Around $900 new, used for less, but they're hard to find used. The Arcam is supposed to be good. I had a Planet 2000 and it was a bit laid back for my taste. I also have a modded Sony 222ES changer and it's good too, though I prefer the Marantz. Perhaps you can give us a sense of what kind of sound you like. Warm, analytical, detailed...?
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