2. digital
  3. 1059438922

higher end cd player

I'm finally in the market for my last cdp. Line of thought here is that sacd software will get more plentiful, and players more sophisticated, in a few years time, but presently I want to get the best out of my red book cd's. Preferences for a tubey, bloomy, and dark soundstage should be taken into account; cold and clinical not really my cup of tea. Hardware to match includes ML 334, SF Line 2, ML Ascents, and Cardas Golden Cross cabling. I currently have an Arcam Alpha 9; it sounds wonderful, but I'm ready for the next level. I'm thinking audio aero cap mark 11 or musical fidelity nuvista; any thoughts guys? I really like the idea of the line level inputs on the audio aero!
brimac
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
I own the AA MarkII and I love it. I run a number of digital sources (DVD, 5-disk CD player, Satellite) through it and I have no complaints.

the used price here on A'gon makes it quite worth it. When shipping, the AA has a habit of snapping a pair of lock skrews that hold the transport. The fellow who sold it to me said he would contact the distributor for me if the unit arrived with this problem. He 'double wrapped' it in two boxes, each with it's own layer of insullation and the unit arrived in perfect shape. You might bring this up with the original purchaser (assuming he is the original purchaser) that you buy it from prior to shipping as AA ships the replacements, I understand, free to the original purchaser. Since I did not have this problem I can't speak any more to it.

Good luck. You won't be sorry you bought it. the volumn control means you don't need a pre.
tireguy
1,964 posts
 
I agree with UncleJeff, the audio aero capitole II may not be the king of digital any more but for under $10k I think its hard to beat. And if you like tubey, dark soundstage and bloom the choice is pretty simple! The fellow who bought mine absolutely loves it, just as I did for months before. This player you can just listen to for hours and hours and never get tired of it. Part of me really misses that little thing.

All of that being said if you can swing a little bit more the Emm labs(aka Meitner) digital is better, though it goes for about $15k for the two channel set up- and your going to pay retail or darn close to it. To my ears it is the best digital source I have ever heard. It also plays SACD's incredibly well, but it seemed as though your focus was on redbook so that in mind the Emm labs is still king. And you get SACD to play with as well.
eantala
15 posts
 
I had a wadia 850 and ayre cx 7 both fine units..

but I really like my current Resolution Audio Opus 21 more than either and it will be my last cdp..
msa
35 posts
 
Don't forget to look at Accuphase. A used 75v is around 5000. The only thing that I heard that betters it is the dcs 3 box unit that retails for >25,000.
karls
332 posts
 
Given your self-described preferences, no doubt whatsoever: Get the Audio Aero.
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