$250-$400 CD player recommendations?


Am in the process of looking for a CD player in the $250-$400 range. Eithe new or used is OK. My preference is toward more detailed / spatial qualities, and of course good low end def. and non-harsh vocals/brass. I enjoy ambient/electronica, classical, jazz, rock, blues. Also, SACD, HDCD, coax digital out, would all be good pluses.

Have been reading the posts in the 'Best CD Player For The Money' thread and have started to form a partial list of specific players and some others. Would like to hear some additional input on what is the best bet at this point in time in this price range (the other thread is a bit older and spans a wider $$ range). Additional suggestions are welcomed.


Rega Planet
Cambridge D500SE
NAD C541i
Sony SCD-C333ES
Arcam
Marantz

TIA,
Chris
cdelplato
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.