The best var. out CD player for under 1500 used?

I've owned MANY CD players with variable output. For under $1500 (new or used) I would get the player I currently own-Quad 99 CD-P.

I recently used it in a friend's very-high resolution system and it was more transparent through the variable output than it was when played through his $4000+ pre-amp.

The Quad has excellent mid-range and great bass tonality.

Short of the Resolution Audio Opus 21 that I once owned, the Quad 99 CD-P is the best I've heard for a reasonable amount of money. BTW, the Quad is $1499 new and about $800-900 used. It is a steal IMHO. If you can swing $2400-2800, the RA Opus 21 is clearly better, but at 2-3 times the price.

Enjoy,

TIC

Hello 1741,
I'm using a Cary CD308 (solid state unit not the "T"). It has the variable volume controll, 24/96 and HDCD. I do not run a Spectral amp nor do I run it straight into my amp but I can and will attest to the Cary's ability to deliver a fine presentation of red book CD's, especialy well recorded ones.

1741,

Search the archives using my AudiogoN user name "Reubent". I have commented on this subject numerous times.

BTW, I previously owned the Cary CD-308 that "Wizard454" mentioned. It is a good player too, but I prefer the Quad 99 CD-P. If the price were equal, I would buy the Quad. If the Cary were $100+ cheaper, well, I'd have to think about it!

Enjoy,

TIC

"Reubent"

Linn Genki

1. rega jupiter /2. audio analogue maestro./ 3.naim linn .4 new or used