Shanling CDS 100 music hall 25 or Cambridge D500SE

Thanks, I actually played phone tag with him today, and he said he may have one in stock if his buyer backs out.

Having owned both, the Music Hall is definitely a much better player. The resolution, detail, and refinement make it sound like a $1250 machine.

That being said, in a bright system, I feel I would prefer the Cambridge's darker, richer sound. However, I would still buy the Music Hall, address what was causing the brightness, and wind up with a much better system.

And, Max, I also auditioned the Cambridge D500SE against the NAD 541, and let my wife make the choice. It was that clear, the Cambridge was simply better. That being said, when I got my player home, as you stated, it was not full. It needed about 50 hours to run-in. Up until that, it was quite constricted at both frequency extremes, harsh, and PRAT was just not right. But, once the Cambridge breaks in, I consider it to have the best lower frequencies and impact of any below $500.

Note: I ended up going through 3 Cambridge players, and cannot recommend the model due to my track record with it. My Music Hall has given me no trouble at all over the 1+ year I have owned it.

I have the RSP-1066 matched with the NAD 541i. The results were satisfying musical experience. It sounds far more expensive that what they are. I bought the NAD 541i at Brett Interiors of Tucson (520-733-9896). It is a runaway bargain for resolution and dynamics. I simply love it.

Has anyone tried the Teac C-1D against these players?