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Advice on Cary CD Players or other options.

I own a Cary SLI-80 paired with Sonus Faber Grand Piano Homes cabled with all Audience Au24. I recently sold my Cary CD-308 in the process of upgrading to a second hand Cary CD-303/200.

I have now read a few comments (forward sounding,lacking low end authority) that is making me re-think this purchase as it will be my main source. I would be very open to suggestions on what I should be looking at used for $1500.00.

Thanks in advance,

Chris
128x128the_kid
the_kid's avatar
the_kid OP
465 posts
 
Thank you all for the great advice!

Reubent,

I looked at that Quad but it has a sale pending. Thank you though! I will see if I can't audition one.

Jkaway,

That is a good idea, but I have already sold it. I was using an Audience PowerChord with mine. It is a great player but I wanted to try a higher line model from what I have read. Thanks!

Art, AEW and Steveaudio

Thanks! I think I will seek out a 303/200.

Cheers,

Chris
swklein
136 posts
 
Yep, the Cary 303/200's a keeper. Try Synergistic cables with it (I found this is by far the best match). The Elrod ESP2 Sig is a great power cord match, although pricey: TG Audio's SLVR works well, too (although it provides a different kind of sound)...
mdp0430
60 posts
 
Chris,

Nice Taylor! I have the 814ce with Brazilian Rosewood; I love it. A noticed a Strat in the background as well?

Anyway, I'm in the process of trying out the 303/200 with different cables (you suggested dumping the Straightwire weeks back). I'll keep you posted on the results. If it doesn't work out I'll probably chase down a Naim CD5 or Audio Aero Prima...

What didn't you like about the 308 to make you want to upgrade?
jsala
99 posts
 
The Cary 303 is built like a tank. The insides look very nice. I opened it up to take pictures just to see!

I had a 303/100 for 2-3 years. A friend has a 303/200. Our view is that it has a dynamic and powerful sound but that it tends to sound a bit grainy and digital. Both of us use relatively neutral tube preamps and non-tube amps. I ended up using my 303 as a transport for a highly modded DAC, for which it did superbly.

Given the build quality of the 303, I am wondering if a SuperClock 3 would be the ticket to make the sound more smooth and analog.

The Quad sounds interesting, esp since it has digital inputs.
the_kid's avatar
the_kid OP
465 posts
 
Mdp0430,

Thank you very much! Yes it is a fat strat in the back ground. That's a very nice guitar you own. I liked the 308 a lot but I am always trying new gear. I had an opportunity to sell it so I jumped on it. My wife calls it a "sickness".

I am interested what you think about the CD Player once you get some better suited cables in the mix. I was considering the Naim player as well. Although, I keep hearing great things about the Quad player. Anyway, keep updated on your findings..

Chris
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