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Shanling, Jolida, Cary, Tube, SS can anyone compar

Can anyone compare these CD players? Am looking to buy a new or used for $1500 or less. I know that the Jolida or the Shanling can be bought new in this range but have heard of reliabilty problems with Jolida. Maybe the new one is OK. I would be willing to go with tube if it sounds right but Cary's pricey ones are SS. People do rave about their sound and this is what I'm after. I still prefer the sound of vinyl but CD's are sounding better as I upgrade my system. Any incite would be appreciated. Thanks,
Bill
jbangelfish
eagle
154 posts
 
The Granite Audio 657 is an excellent tube CD player and there is currently an auction going on one. It would be worth you time to check it out.
jbangelfish OP
25 posts
 
Muralman:
Thanks again. Do you know anything about the Xindak player mentioned by Mike? Says it's SACD compatible, I don't even know what that is but I see lots of discussion going on in reference to it. Also have found a 2 month old Jolida 100 for $550. Probably a very good deal.
Bill
fs_audio
148 posts
 
Bill,

Xindak is not a new company in China, but they are new in the USA (they have been doing OEM work for Sony and other electronics companies for years). There are no reviews as yet, but according to the US distributor, Stereophile is supposed to have one out in the next month or so.

As far as explaining SACD, that would take FAR more space than I have here. It is simply an attempt by Sony and Philips to bring digital playback that much closer to analog reproduction. With some recordings, I personally feel that they have acomplished their goal. Do a search here and at AudioAsylum, should be able to find a decent explanation of SACD.

For the most basic info on SACD, go here:
http://www.sonymusic.com/sacd/

The biggest drawback to SACD at this point is not the technology, nor the sound quality (it is superb on some recordings), but simply the fact that there just aren't a lot of recordings available (yet).

Best Regards...Mike - Father & Son Audio
jbangelfish OP
25 posts
 
I checked on the Granite 657 but it's only 20 bit. I have a well made old Denon 20 bit now. Shouldn't I be moving up to at least 24/96 or better? What happens when SACD or HDCD's are played on 20 bit or 24/96 system? Thanks again
Bill
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
Take the Jolida at $550, if it is mint. What tubes does it have? You might get lucky there. The Jolida was designed and produced solely for it's sound, not hype that looks good on paper. Mark Allen of Jolida told me he decided to not use the "me too" Burr Brown DAC and went for more linear Phillips chips. There are no op amps, unlike with virtually every other CDP. The circuit is very simple and fee of noticeable distortion. So many ss CDPs have that edgy sound that drives people away. Jolida has a beautifully natural playback that is so soothing. It has that spaciousness that comes with tubes and the liquid mids, smooth treble.
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