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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
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!
allegro12
51 posts
 
Hi Jihley.....
It appears that my musical taste is similar so I understand your quest...
I had the Jolida JD-100 for over a year and a half...I bonded with that player so much I couldn't imagine replacing it.I easily could have lived with this player forever....however,despite the gorgeous sweetness of that player,(and perfection on female vocals) it does lack in detail needed to fully realize large scale orchestral...That is 90% of my listening...
I purchased the Audio Aero Prima, what seemed to be the logical upgrade according to trusted ears here, but oddly enough I found it dry and disinteresting. I'm sure it was some kind of system syngergy mis-match but
I sold it . The new owner loves it.
Just by chance and some kind of uncanny instinct, I purchased a BAT VK-D5..
a 6-tube CDP. I was immediately in love. It retains all the sweetness of the Jolida but sorts out complex music on a realistic and expansive soundstage.
Finally, I am hearing a symphony orchestra in full regalia.I believe have found my CDP nirvana.
The downside is, this model is many years old (mine is 6 years old) so if buying an older unit makes you nervous it may not be a consideration.

On a side note, have you tried a different amp with your Cary? I briefly had a Coda amp and I found it sterile and slightly harsh.

Good luck...it's such euphoria when you finally find your own magic.
Susan
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