2. digital
  3. 1045591697

CD Player for Macintosh / B&W N804

With the help of this forum I decided to get McIntosh MA6500 integrated amplifier for my B&W N804 speakers.

Now I am front of choosing CDP. I know there have been a lot of discussions on CD players and I read them all for the past few days. Still I am not clear, there are many different opinions.

I am looking to spend $1K-1.5K or so, for new or used unit. I'd prefer to have a 5-CDs changer, but there are not that good as I understand. What about if I get a changer and use it as transport and also get a DAC? -- This setup is kinda intimidating for newbie :-)

I am looking at these units, seems they have favorable feedback:
Meridian 507, 508, 588 used
Linn Ikemi used

What do you think abour Linn Classik new?

I'd really appriciate if you share your CDP experience with simular equpiment. I listen mostly classical and rock.

Thanks in advance,
Konstantin
konstantin_agon
bigkidz
3,381 posts
 
I am not sure what the used CALs multi disc CDPs go for used but they are very good for multi disc players. The Sony 777s are good and the audio notes are good in the price range.
aball
2,016 posts
 
Why not a McIntosh player? The MCD205 (6-disc bank) is awesome. Hard to find used though ($2500 new, I think). It/They would look great with your new integrated (congradulations on your fine choice BTW).

Otherwise, check out the Sony SCD 555ES or 333ES. Both are 5 disc carousel. You can look at the 777ES too but it is single disc. I own an 80ES changer that has been flawless in sound and quality for years and it works very well with my McIntoshes. Arthur
tonyp54
130 posts
 
I have an Ikemi with B&W 802 matrix and compared it to the Meridian 588 and some others. In the 2k range (used) I don't think you can do better in either sound or build quality. You'll most likely sacrifice sound quality for the changer if you go that route. I thought the 588 was a little too bright with the B&Ws. The treble is really what kept briging me back to the Ikemi.
More to discover