$250-$400 CD player recommendations?

When I was helping my dad put together a new rig, I did a side by side comparison of the cambridge (which I own) and the nad (which my dad was considering). I found the cambridge a better player in almost every respect. The sound was bolder and darker than the nad with better dynamics and good detail (w/o being harsh or etched). The nad did a better job w/ female vocals (so maybe better timbre?). The cambridge, alas, decodes neither hdcd nor sacd, and its display bites.

I second Mark on the Sony 222ES. There have been some good factory close-out deals on this one. I got mine for around $380 with shipping. The Absolute Sound recently recommeded this one. Supposedly it can be moded if you decide later to invest more money (which I might do someday with mine).

Tony

Trust your own ears. I have found that everyone has their own taste. I would especially be cautious of anyone telling you something is way, way better in this category. Do as much a/b comparison in home as you can. I have a/b the cambridge 500se, Nad 521i, and the arcam cd73. The arcam was more but it was a completely different level. I was going to spend what your spending but the arcam ruined it for me. Now I have to spend closer to 700.00.

Main thing is, audition with your ears, your system, your wires.

If you can try a Marantz, the newer nad 521bee, music hall, cambridge, rega, rotel. Based on your likes/dislikes I actually thought the Rotel would fit your taste. It excells in detail and soundstage. It does loose a little in the musicality range for me.

Good luck. Post your findings.

Pioneer has a universal player for under 2 bills at Audioadvisor...also...unless you have a very revealing system...the differences between digital sources will be marginal...the extra ones saves on a more "esoteric" player can be put towards more CDs,etc...I have had good luck with Sony players for what it is worth...

Prices for the new NADs will be the same: $299 and $499. The improvement in the 522BEE is purported to be much more than in the C542, narrowing the gap. With a street price of $250 it seems like it'll be the budget CDP for my HT, my daughters, friends, mother, etc.