CD Player recommendations for a SET system

You may be asking too much from a front end. I don't think changing it is
going to make up for the limitations of your SET amplifier, which you've
described very well. I don't think putting a different front-end will necessarily
make more complex and layered dynamic music sound any less congested.
That is a very typical shortcoming of SET amplification. If you want to invest
some money into your system to get more enjoyment from that type of
music, why not add an alternative amplifier that excels in the areas SET is
lacking? For 2K you can get a nice integrated amp, or power amp, to use in
place of your SET amp(s) and you may find a whole other kind of enjoyment
from that music. I think the difference that direction might offer will probably
be more profound, in this case, than a change in the front end, which it looks
like is already pretty good (you listed a Droplet on your System Page, but
mention and older Sony here in the thread?). Don't get me wrong, I think the
front end is absolutely vital, but I don't think it's the culpret in your specific
quandry. Just a thought.

PS I'm not a "SET expert", but I do play one on TV

Marco

Between this and your other thread, it sounds like we're talking about two different issues. One is that the sound is congested, and you want an improvement in dynamics--which you would surely hear with a higher wattage amplifier. The other is that you want better instrument separation and more space in the music, which in my experience is the principal thing that separates a great CDP from a good one. I have yet to hear a mid-level CDP that doesn't collapse the tracks during complex passages.

So, I guess it's time for extreme audio make-over...

I submit marketing campaigns are put on by people usually with zero to very low feedback. Look again please at the feedback from those that responded favorably toward the ModWright unit.
I agree one should always "consider the source".
Good listening!

the Naim CD5x should warm things up.

Tickfight, you asked if it is possible for a SET system to produce dynamic sound. For me, the answer is an emphatic "YES"! My system (see link below) consists of a pair of Cary CAD-805AE SET's which put out 50W/ch, these are running a pair of ProAc D38's. I am using the Cary CD-306 CDP.

I am somewhat puzzled that your speakers cannot produce dynamic sound with SET's. VSA claims that the DB99 is 98-99 dB/W/m with a nominal impedance of 8 Ohms. That is a very easy to drive, very efficient speaker. My speakers are 91 dB/W/m, and 4 Ohm - they would be absolute pigs to drive compared to yours!

I am a classical fan also. One thing which I noticed with my new system is that it really shows up the bad recordings. Like, virtually the whole DG catalogue. Listening to an SACD really lifts the sound by a notch - incredible dynamics with natural sounding voices and violins. On SACD's like Carlos Kleiber's recording of Beethoven #7 on Orfeo (you MUST get this if you are a classical fan, BTW!), the orchestra is layered out in front of you and extends precisely to the left and right. It's quite something to hear individual instrumental timbres even in the middle of a fortissimo.

I really don't know what's happening on your end. Like Larry said (and I agree), a new CDP will not correct confused sounding music very well. Maybe it would help if you told us what SET you are running, what tubes, and what CDP you are using.