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Best CD Player for Classical Music?

I realize that a CD player that is good for classical is good for anything, but the reason I was specific is because the classical section of my CD collection is the fastest growing section. And not being very familiar with classical music I rarely heard it live. But now I'm going to more concerts and I'm looking for a CD player that can get me close to what I'm hearing live.

To be more specific, most of my classical listening has been through my system and not live. But when I hear it live it sounds softer, smoother, and flows more naturally. It sounds effortless, unforced, more relaxed. I then realize how "hard" sounding classical music sounds through my system. It may be that it's digital that makes it sound hard, but I'm not going analog right now so please stick with the CD player recs : )

I'm looking for something for my headphone system. My headphone amp, a Grace 901, is a highly resolving amp so a quality source really shines through. My favorite instruments are the cello, violin and piano and I would prefer to find a CD player that excels at making these sound natural. I'd also like something that is not too forward.

Maybe I'm crazy thinking I can find what I'm looking for in a CD player, but please let me know if you have any recommendations. I'd like to find it if possible. Thanks.
budrew
budrew OP
467 posts
 
This is great information. The Wadia seems to crop up in other contexts
as well, but I wonder if it may be too forward for headphjone use or too
bright, though many recommend modding it to alleviate these issues.
FWIW, I tend to prefer a mid-hall over first row perspective.

While I agree 100% about the room, I'm looking for something for my
headphone system where room interaction is a null issue. Because of
circumstances I'm listening to headphones a lot these days. My main
system is great with classical, the only issue being the Audio Note DAC
is too forward for headphone listening (to my ears). I also agree that the
recording and mastering make a big difference and this is why I've not
adopted SACD since the recording can make a bigger difference than the
technology (though the Channel Classics SACDs are exceptional).
frankg
176 posts
 
You might want to check out the review of the BAT VK-5SE cdp at stereotimes.com. It was posted today
jdaniel18ee
88 posts
 
I listen only to Classical, I attend live performances, (Davies Symphony Hall in SF), and I play in an amateur orchestra. If you like chamber and solo music only, the Rega Planet 2000 does a wonderful job. I doesn't open up as much as it could for large-scale symphonic literature. Massed-strings have sounded a bit harsh to me since moving up to a better system. I went the SACD route and have found that, with every recording thus far purchased, the string problem has been solved. I couldn't feel more relieved.
budrew OP
467 posts
 
Jdaniel, What SACD player do you have? Chamber and solo music is my
main interest. I know there is a growing catalog of SACD classical titles.

My first experience with live classical music, and how sweet it can be,
was at Davies Symphony Hall where there was a performance of Arvo
part's work some years ago.
jdaniel18ee
88 posts
 
I have the Marantz SA-14 version 2. I find that the benefits of SACD are most impressive in large-scale orchestral music. I can *barely* hear a difference in chamber and solo music. If you like the latter, maybe SACD isn't necessary. (I should point out that the Marantz is a two-channel only.)
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