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A CD platyer that is s sonic match to an LP12?

I am looking for a CD player that would have a similar degree of pace, rhythm, dynamics to my Linn LP12. The LP12 has an Ekos arm, Arkiv B pickup, circus, trampolin, Lingo, etc. I used to have a 508.24, which was great but it did not quite have the low end bloom I get out of LP. An old CAL I used to have did have the enveloping low end, but in every other way, the 508.24 was superior What's the closest I can get in the CD universe? Anyone out there with a similar analog set up using any one of the following: Bryston BCD-1; Ayre CX7e; Cambridge 840; Rega? Naim ?; Meridian G08? All suggestions greatly appreciated! Associated equip is a Pass Aleph Ono phono pre; Rogue Tempest II Magnum int amp; Revel F30's, and Mag Dyn MD100 tuner. I am looking for something dynamic, transparent, and not the price of a decent used car
128x128zavato
16 responses Add your response
Ag insider logo xs@2x
muzikat
926 posts
 
What is your budget? Decent used cars vary in price.
I would suggest Naim might be what you are looking for.
weiserb's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
weiserb
476 posts
 
Audio Research CD7, sell the farm this player is worth it.
zavato's avatar
zavato OP
1,403 posts
 
I would like to stay under $2k used
mlauner
250 posts
 
Naim CDX is similiar but tough to get where you want at 2K.
bikerduud
75 posts
 
I recently purchased a Bryston BCD-1 to augment my LP12 and couldn't be happier. You might be able to find a used one for less than 2 grand. It was so good that I needed to upgrade my LP-12 with a new cartridge; otherwise, I would only be listening to CD's.
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
I liked the cd-7 as well pretty close to my modded sony on redbook......however..........doesn't do SACD not sure that is important to you......not heard the Bryston
chazro's avatar
chazro
635 posts
 
My Arcam FMJ CD23T has a very similar sonic signature to my Linn LP12/Ittok IV/Lingo. Can be had for less than 1K these days. For redbook it's one of the best!
eee3
214 posts
 
To get what you want for under 2K is probably not going to happen. However, the Linn Ikemi will get you close for around $1500-$1650 and there're two on the Gon right now.
The Arcam 23T mentioned above is very good also but doesn't have balanced capability, which is why I got rid of mine. If it had balanced capability, it would get you close as well but the Audio Research Cd-3 mkII will get you there for around $2500-$2700. Don't fool with the Ayre Cx7e, it is too lean and thin sounding and the bass would not be what you would want IMHO.
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Sorry you are probably not going to get a ref cd-7 for anywhere near 2 grand it was a 10K player when new.
theo's avatar
theo
2,689 posts
 
I agree with eee3, I have a LP12 and had an Ikemi it is a very good player and 2000 is the most you should pay for a good used one.
tom92602
65 posts
 

I have heard both the Ikemi and Arcam FMJ-CD23 in my system.
Both are most excellent for the price.

Naim seems too immediate like it assults you with every note
instead of letting the music flow. Naim will thrill you but
it's not musical to me. I spent a couple of hours with one
in my system and it wasn't for me.

I too have heard that Ayre is lean but never tried one out.
I have heard Byston BCD-1. Cold sounding in my opinion.

I think the Meridian G08 is another winner..

Between the Meridian G08, Linn Ikemi, Arcam CD23 you
should find a match..

zavato's avatar
zavato OP
1,403 posts
 
Had anyone heard/tried the Jolida CD player, either stock or with teh level 1 or level 2 mods from Underwood Hifi?
foster_9
1,638 posts
 
Zavato, I own the Jolida Level 1 cdp from Underwood Hifi and it is the piece in my system I've had the longest. The best words I can apply to it are "a very solid music- making performer." I also have a BCD-1 and for prat, clarity and dynamics it overshadows the Jolida, and it should based on costing more than twice the Jolida. Disclaimer: I have a BCD-1 in the classifieds.
abucktwoeighty's avatar
abucktwoeighty
1,079 posts
 
I have the level 1 modded Jolida that sounds really nice, but not as good as the LP 12. The LP12 has a Basik arm, Grado Ref. Sonata MM cartridge, and Origin Live DC motor. The Jolida was an excellent buy at around 500 dollars used. I'm very pleased with it.
terra3
60 posts
 
I purchased a BCD-1 to replace a Cyrus CD player; this in addition to having an LP12. The Bryston has the prat, musicality, detail down in spades, but it is more neutral than any LP12 I've ever heard (some call it cold, but I take it as neutral . . some say 'tomato' . . . . ). Since having the Bryston, it's made me re-evaluate just what I'd appreciated in the LP12 over some 30 years. Of late, I've made the move to VPI for my analog source.

My two bits, if you are looking for that LP12 sound, something slightly warmer than the Bryston may be in order. In my listening, Cyrus and Linn CD players came closest while retaining the dynamics and other attributes you seek.
brm1's avatar
brm1
108 posts
 
Get a Denon from Dave @The Upgrade Company, its fits your budget and they are very good cdp's for the $$!
Mike
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