Advice on Cary CD Players or other options.

I've had the both 303/100 and 303/200 liked them a lot, definitely in the same fmaily, but the 200 is an improvement. I've found the bass and dynamics on either to be excellent. Both have a very wide and tall soundstages (though perhaps not as deep as some), excellent detail and resolution, and are very smooth sounding. The Cary 303s have a dynamic and vivid presentation that's quite appealing. Not exactly laid back, but not digital or fatiguing either IMO, at least not the 303/200 in my system (Alon speakers, Herron elctronics, Nordost Quattro Fil ICs).

I've found digital equipment sensitive to power - I use a TG Audio SLVR and plug it into a dedicated line (straight into the wall) - if you're getting grain from the system be sure your other gear is plugged into a separate circuit from your digital. I've found this makes a difference. (My 303/200 is not grainy sounding.) I've also noticed Cary players also take a long time to settle in - break-in when new took over 200 hours. If you;re trying brand new cables or PCs, you need to give everything time to settle in. (Yes, dump the straightwire.)

For $1500 used the 303/200 is a great buy.

Like you, I also have a pair of Grand Piano's driven by a VAC Avatar integrated amp with a Cary 303-100, and have been very happy with it. Wide soundstage, authoratative low end, and the dynamic range really make this player sings. Like some of the responses above, I found it match well with the Synergistic PC, and after trying different interconnects (from Nordost, Audience, Kimber, to Ridge Street), I have settled with the Cardas Golden Reference. Another player that's really close to it is the Ayre CX-7. It actually more detail, but with a slightly narrower soundstage and less dynamic low end. IMHO. Try them both if you have the opportunity.

I don't own a Cary CD player, YET. I do own a Cary SLI-80, which I enjoy very much. I'm chiming in for two reasons:

1. Why would you second guess your purchase decision just because you heard some opinions on the 'Gon that are less than favorable toward the Cary? It's what you like that matters.

2. One tweak that I've use in every digital setup I've owned in the past 5 years is the use of a JPS Labs Digital AC power cable. Last I checked, $300 retail. Check out the JPS website. It eliminates digital nastiness, and improves the sound of every CDP or trans/DAC I ever used it with.