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Absolute Best CD Players Out There Under $12k ?

Ok, I'm looking to upgrade my CD Player. It's the last part of my uber-headphone system and I'm hoping to get the best player possible for under $12k used. I know that affords me alot of options, and I imagine I'll do some travelling and testing before I buy, but I wanted some opinions first. Right now, these are the main ones I'm considering:

*Reimyo CDP-777
*Linn Sondek CD12
*Naim CDS3/XPS2
*Wadia 270/27
*Wadia 861se w/Statement mod from GNSC
*Meridian 808
*EMM Labs Meitner CDSD/Dac6
*Esoteric DV-50 with full mods from Reference Audio Mods
*Classe Omega SACD

I'm not so much into characteristics - the overall performance is more important for me. But I do need a player with great bass (both in extension, detail, and volume) as my headphones are a bit bass shy. Any reviews/comparisons would be much appreciated.
no1willfan

Showing 6 responses by lazarus28

lazarus28
339 posts
 
hey deb - you do realize that alex (aplhifi) is one of EMM's competitors, don't you?

ed meitner has never posted in this thread.

jtinn is an audiogon member who sells meitner stuff and he hasn't posted in this thread.

andreas koch has never posted in this thread.

in fact, it only seems that satisfied customers (myself included) have ever posted pro-meitner in this thread or anywhere else on audiogon.

do you have any proof before you throw out crazy accusations? or do you think he's paying a competitor to speak well of his products?
lazarus28
339 posts
 
no1willfan - the dac6 (and dac6e) is a multichannel DAC. the difference between the dac6 and the dac6e is that the dac6e has two sets of outputs, one balanced, one single-ended. the dac6 only has one set of balanced outs.

the dcc2 only does 2-channel, but also has a 2-channel version of meitner's fantastic preamp built in, so you don't need a separate pre.
lazarus28
339 posts
 
no1willfan: no difference in sound quality between the two, no.

the EMM gear does redbook better than anything i've ever heard, although i've not heard many of the uber high-end players.

since he's too modest to mention it, aplhifi also has several extremely well-regarded units. you'll notice that he says best "stock" performace. he believes that his modded units (based around different players) outperform these stock units mentioned here.

i cannot say whether or not they do, as i've not heard them. they're really popular, though.
lazarus28
339 posts
 
hey guido - you're in austin, right? if ever you'd like, feel free to make the short trek to san antonio if you'd like to hear the EMM stuff at mi casa.
lazarus28
339 posts
 
oh, yes it is. sobriety is the cause of all problems in the world today.

the world needs to get together and collectively discuss things over a pint or six.

and, while i agree with you in spirit, judy, i must suggest that an air of diplomacy or humility might take the edge off of your seemingly endless string of negative and condescending posts.
lazarus28
339 posts
 
no, you tell it like you see it. the inability to see multiple points of view is a flaw of the ignorant, uneducated, and stupid.

and anyone who chooses to view the world in such absolutes is the weakling who is afraid of learning that he/she might be wrong.
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