Thank you ALL for your informative comments.
My problem is even though I live in a fairly large metro area (D.C.) I had real problems finding any of the above units. I was very attracted to the Cairn Fog and the Cary units. I couldn't find one to see let alone hear. Then, I decided that all the units mentioned would probably sound great anyways. So, my strategy to purchase was based on a very technical disqualification process.
The Njoe Tjoeb was first to go. Though I think with all the
upgrades it was very competive sound wise, the fact was, it
weighs alittle over 6 lbs and looks like it can be purchased at Best Buys. The next to go was the Cairn Fog.
That was easy, It's French. Next to go was the Cary 308T.
There was a Cary dealer in the area, that dropped the entire line because of customer service problems with Cary.
Then I started to read about the Consonance CD120. First of
all, I really liked the look. All metal construction with
a very simple clean designed front. 24/192 upsampler was
standard, both balanced and single end connections, and weighs in at over 22 lbs. Then the price NEW was less than many of the above used. I decided to take a chance on Consonance.
Well, It arrived yesterday. All I can say is, WOW!!! I definately made the right choice. Out of the box, this unit sounds truely wonderful. I can't imagine after a couple hundred hours of breakin time what this unit will sound like. The same applies to the cosmetics, it looks very high end and expensive. Even the remote is all metal.
As stated before, I'm sure all of the above recommendations
are great sounding players, and all mentioned would be more
of latteral differences in quality than anyone unit being
superior to the rest. This wonderful hobby is about being
totally satisfied with our choices regardless of the process we use. I'm on the winning end this time.
Thanks again
My problem is even though I live in a fairly large metro area (D.C.) I had real problems finding any of the above units. I was very attracted to the Cairn Fog and the Cary units. I couldn't find one to see let alone hear. Then, I decided that all the units mentioned would probably sound great anyways. So, my strategy to purchase was based on a very technical disqualification process.
The Njoe Tjoeb was first to go. Though I think with all the
upgrades it was very competive sound wise, the fact was, it
weighs alittle over 6 lbs and looks like it can be purchased at Best Buys. The next to go was the Cairn Fog.
That was easy, It's French. Next to go was the Cary 308T.
There was a Cary dealer in the area, that dropped the entire line because of customer service problems with Cary.
Then I started to read about the Consonance CD120. First of
all, I really liked the look. All metal construction with
a very simple clean designed front. 24/192 upsampler was
standard, both balanced and single end connections, and weighs in at over 22 lbs. Then the price NEW was less than many of the above used. I decided to take a chance on Consonance.
Well, It arrived yesterday. All I can say is, WOW!!! I definately made the right choice. Out of the box, this unit sounds truely wonderful. I can't imagine after a couple hundred hours of breakin time what this unit will sound like. The same applies to the cosmetics, it looks very high end and expensive. Even the remote is all metal.
As stated before, I'm sure all of the above recommendations
are great sounding players, and all mentioned would be more
of latteral differences in quality than anyone unit being
superior to the rest. This wonderful hobby is about being
totally satisfied with our choices regardless of the process we use. I'm on the winning end this time.
Thanks again