Arcam, Cambridge Audio or Sony: Most musical??

I'm curious about why you wouldn't consider the Oppo 105.

Audiojan, not to hijack this thread more than I have but if your question is to me, I can get a demo for $1500 with free shipping and the one I like for $1700, locally. I have to admit that the champagne finish is to die for but I could easily live with the black one.

In fact, I may just wait until the next Black Friday to see what I can get one for brand new. Now that I know what it sounds like and that I really like it, the trick is to not be my usual impulsive self. It's eating at me.

And if the other question re: OPPO 105 is directed at me as well, my TEAC PD-H600 sounds better than my OPPO 103. Better enough to not even be close, to my ears. I know the 105 is supposed to be the end all to end all, but I really don't see it competing with the Marantz but I could be wrong.

All the best,
Nonoise

Overall, I agree with Sandstone. I have an Arcam 33 myself. I don't use it as my main player, but I like it very much. Its one of those CD players that you can listen to all day. As far as the Ayre goes, I think its much better than the Arcam. But that doesn't mean you will like it better. Thats a personal choice that you have to make based on your taste in equipment. They sound very different from each other.

Also, I don't really want to tell you what to do, but I would recommend that you don't rely so much on equipment reviews. Its very easy to get caught up in them. I know its a lot more work, but you will get far better results if you make the decision and not the magazine. Eventually you'll find that you don't really need them at all.