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Looking to Upgrade my CDP

Currently using a jolida 100A with 1959 Amperex tubes. The sound is warm with a huge soundstage, but I’m looking to move up to the next level. I’m not interested in computer audio, just a dedicated CD player that will get the most out of my large classical Redbook collection.

I’ve auditioned a Naim CDP and I think it might sound too detailed in my system, so I like the idea of tubes such as a Raysonic or an Ayon. Budget is around $2500 to $3000 new or used.

I’ve learned from many of you on the forum how important the master clock is in preventing jitter, thus leading to a more natural presentation.
I’d like to hear your recommendations keeping in mind I’m looking for focused, open sonics and I hate to use the word, but close to “analogue” sound.

many thanks.
128x128lowrider57
newbee
4,767 posts
 
Lowrider, FWIW I like Rrog's suggestion re having a 2d CDP that will accommodate older CD's, especially if it is a tubed unit because that allows you to tailor the sound to your system as well as the CD's themselves. Works for me.

BTW, I've found that cheapo new production JJ tubes can also help solve that highend harshness you hear in old CDs. Amperex's are a great tube, but they are not always the best regarding the delivery of the tone that you want, i.e. they are not universal (even though some folks act like they are).

Re using an EQ. That won't really help I think. You will be able to bend the frequency response BUT you will not be able to eliminate the harshness, only reduce the level of it. This has never worked for me.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,417 posts
 
Newbee...appreciate the advice.

I'm using 1957 Amperex and the soundstaging is out-of-this
world. BUT they do have that sting at the top end.
rrog
1,958 posts
 
"I'm using 1957 Amperex and the soundstaging is out-of-this
world. BUT they do have that sting at the top end."

That's the trade off.
lissnr
365 posts
 
Reviews say the Oppo 105 is a giant killer but it's out of your price point at $1200. I was looking for a transport to feed (via Spdif coax) my new Lampizator 4 L4 Dac so I went with the $500 Oppo BDP-103...it's supposed to be well built and full featured (and hopefully a good and reliable transport) but is lacking most of the extra audio upgrades...It might still sound pretty good for your CD collection and considering it's a Blu-Ray DVD as well it will literally play any silver disc under the sun as well, just in case. Good luck
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