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what CD player between 1-2K

I find that the higher priced CD players pursue playing perfection but create porblems on their own. I'm looking for a good sounding player that can handle female vocals as well as full symphony orchestras. It seem, when the mids get overloaded the sound strains and loses detail. I have tried several $400-$1000 units with several types of solid state electronics & speakers. It seems the more you pay for the player, the more this midrange trouble occurs.
I presently have a Cary 308 player but I'm looking for something with more consistent or forgiving sound performance. I listen to jazz, blues, chamber music, opera and symphonies. My present electronics are Coda and my speakers are ProAc D15's.
jihley
lkdog
417 posts
 
I had a Cary 308 for quite some time and enjoyed it very much.
Am now using a Marantz SA14 version 1 which I bought used and then had modified by Tube Research Labs.
The mod is $550. The SA14 v.1 retailed for $3000 but used runs around $1200.
Total investment around $1750.
Amazing extreme detail, smoothness, natural extended sound.
See the TRL Marantz SA14 thread for more comments on this option. Those that have it consider it a reference type level unit.

Another cheaper, yet also extraordinary route is a Sony ES2000 modded by Tube Research Labs. Player is $250-275 and mod is the standard $550. See comments by La45 in same thread referenced.

Good luck.
reubent
7,093 posts
 
Quad 99 CDP CD player (not the older Quad 99, it must say CDP). This is a great player at $1500 retail, $800-900 used. I previously owned a Cary CD-308 and liked it, but I think the Quad 99 CDP is a level above the Cary.

Enjoy,

TIC
aball
2,018 posts
 
I know exactly the problem you are referring to. I would suggest you give the inexpensive Jolida JD100 a try but be sure to get some nice tubes for it - the stock tubes make it a good buy at $1k but good NOS tubes will make it competitive in the $2k category with all the coherence a performance should have. I don't bother with mods other than good tubes.

The Planet is great too but doesn't have quite the frequency extension my Jolida has (with 3 mica black plate Sylvanias). The Quad 99 CDP is excellent all around. Any of these three would be great choices for you. Good luck! Arthur
judy426
228 posts
 
A used Audio Aero Prima 24/192. Tubed output with a great dac.
bignerd100
515 posts
 
The Jolida would be a good player to fix your midrange issues. Buy a couple of different makes of NOS tubes and roll until you are content.

Good luck!
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