CD Help


I am new to high end audio, and have recently purchased the Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor and am pairing it with the Sonus Faber Musica. I am having trouble finding a CD player that is a good fit with this combination.

When I demo'd the gear, I listened to a YBA player that I thought sounded great. However, I have reservations about the electronics of the YBA (it didn't read one of my disks). I then auditioned three CD players on a different system (with Audio Physics speakers) this weekend. These were the new Musical Fidelity $2500, Arcam FMJ33, $2500, and store demo two year old Cary 303/200 $2300 (askings). I thought the Cary was the best of the group, and was unfortunately disappointed with the Arcam.

Recognizing this is an individual preference, I would appreciate any thoughts from more experience listeners on players. I feel like both the speaker and the amp can handle a very good source, and am reluctant to pair them with a weaker CD player. That said, i am not particularly crazy about moving into $4k for a CD. Any thoughts on strong, neutral, pure 2-channel CD players for this system?
keiserrg
If the store will not let you demo players at home do not buy from them.

That said, best player to your ear, within your budget, that is available with a warranty. I have bought players used that had short lives.

Good luck.
I just bought a NorthStar 192 Transport and DAC - see thread with that title - and like them very much. I think you get them new on Audiogon for about $2,800 though they retail for 5K
A Jolida 100A is an awesome player even in stock form. At the 1K price new..it definately competes wiith players in the 1.5-2K arena. CD redbook only, 24/96 upsampleing. 2-12AX7 tubes to roll to your hearts content if you wish. Very well built and can be modded to several levels of performance. Can be found pre owned for about $650. which is great. Hey, if you dont like it..you can easliy resell it out here on the goN! for what you paid used. Worth a look by all means. :) Ken