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Neutrally sounding CDP with a good resolution?

...just decided to post it as a separate thread...

Recently I had not very fortunate experience with upgrade of NAD C541i to Marantz 8400: I discovered that I really miss NAD's neutrality. What NAD lacked was a resolution, it was too grainy on top-end. Marantz is warm, laid-back, more musical - but I need that NAD's neutrality back, with significantly better resolution then NAD had. And I don't want it to be not laid-back nor forward - I'd prefer somewhere in between. What CD player would you recommend?

System
~~~~~~
Source: Marantz 8400 (formerly NAD C541i)
Amp: Moon i-5 (fast and neutral or a little on a bright side)
Speaker cable: AZ Satori (love 'em)
Speakers: Revel M20 (fast and neutral or a little on a bright side)
dmitrydr
kleech
130 posts
 
Hi Dmitrydr,

I looked at this and your other related thread. I'm glad you're enjoying the Satoris. Right now you're working on two variables ie the CDP and the IC. I'd change your IC first. I think you'll be pleased at how the Matrix Ref (short run!) will open up the sound of your Marantz. They might have sounded a bit edgy with the NAD. If you're still not still not happy, then consider a different CDP but my guess is you won't need to (at least for a few months!).
dmitrydr OP
221 posts
 
Hi Kleech, nice to hear from you. Thank you for your advice. After I tried Linn and another Marantz I realized that it's all about Marantz house sound, and while I admit it sounds good in general, it just doesn't appeal to me considering the kinds of music I listen, and it too different to be corrected by ICs. So, I'm just getting another CDP. But not Genki, either. :)
dmitrydr OP
221 posts
 
UPDATE: I have found my ultimate CD player, perfecty matching to Moon i-5 integrated. It happened to be Moon Nova. Straigt out of the box it amazed me by rich, and full, yet very clear sound, and enormously natural tonal balance.
And I have to mention, NAD was closer to it then Marantz.
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
I would agree...I like NAD amps...which are their bread n butter....but their CD players leave something to be desired...I prefer mid-level SOny over NAD...maybe even over Marantz...very transparent, great 3-d imaging, and a extremely good resolution for the money...good luck...
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