Trust me, I know all about the subjective side to audio. I'm not *new* per say to this hobby, I just more or less wanted some opinions and suggestions of players to try out. I'm not going to buy on outside opinions alone (I'm not crazy) but it helps. And yeah, I know there's no *best*, just *best for me*, which is what I'll be looking for. But it doesn't hurt to get some opinions/suggestions/reviews first.
Thanks. |
RE Lazarus28: Thanks for the clarification. Is there any difference in sound quality between the two? If not I really wouldn't need the 6 channels with my system being a headphone system and all so I guess I'd be looking for the DCC2.
RE Aplhifi: Thanks for the Zanden suggestion. I've never even heard of them. FYI I'm just looking for a superb redbook player. I don't own any SACDs and I've put too much time and money into collecting my current CD collection to switch now. So I'm not looking for a SACD player unless it also happens to play redbook CDs really well.
Thanks. |
RE: Teajay
Just wanted to let you know that I definitely didn't take your comment personally (I know you all know nothing about me) and as far as I'm concerned there's no bad blood. I'm certainly not opposed to transport/DAC combos; It's just that they tend to be a little more expensive and even though $12k is a lot of money I know it will be hard finding some of these players (even used) in that price range.
To everyone else I'm sincerely thankful for the the responses and suggestions. Keep them coming as much as possible! Every bit helps. I certainly plan to audition as many as possible. In case anyone's wondering the rest of my system is:
Sony MDR-R10 headphones
SinglePower Supra tuned specifically for R10s w/Ken-Rad VT231 input tube & Matching Sylvania VT231 output tubes
Virtual Dynamics Nite II Power Cords (for player and amp) and ICs
Thanks for all the responses and to Deb: I really don't want to start a fight. So everyone please try to keep it civil and please refrain from putting down other players or people's opinions. |
Oh, and I also wanted to note that I phrased the title of the thread the way I did for a reason: "Absolute Best CD PlayerS", as in plural. I know there's no actual "best" as too much of it is personal preference. I just wanted to compile a list of some of the best players out there in my price range. |
One last thing: Concerning the EMM Labs players, what's the difference between the Dac6 and DCC2?
Thanks. |
It seems the EMM Labs combo is mighty popular on here. Interesting. Can anyone offer a good review on on the Reimyo, CDS3, or CD12? |
Ya know, I wonder if the "cold, analytical, super revealing, accurate" nature of the EMM Labs combo might balance well with my tube amp and warm/musical headphones? I'm thinking those tubes might help warm up the sound a bit while retaining the uber-revealing nature. |
I definitely prefer the tonal warmth that tubes can provide. Especially with my Supra that uses 6SN7s to their full potential. It provides alot of sound options when selecting tubes. I'm thinking an accurate, neutral, and revealing source might be the perfect blank slate I would need to sculp the rest of the sound with tubes. I already love the superb tone and musicality of my headphones. Combined with great tubes it's a magical combination but it really needs some real "oomph!" on the front end which is why I was considering either the EMM Labs or Reimyo which I also hear is incredibly accurate and non-intrusive. |
RE: jennmoor@earthlink.net
Interesting opinion. I know that was a widely held one back in '98/'99 when the CD12 first came out. But I've heard from a good number of people that there have been many better players that have come out in the last 5 years - mostly in the DAC department. A friend of mine who used to sell Linn products said the transport is still one of the best out there but the DAC is lacking compared to some newer players. In fact he said that's the reason Linn stopped making them - because there was no way they could change the design without sacrificing some quality so they just decided to discontinue it. |
RE: Guidocorona
Thanks for the suggestion. I'll definitely add it to my list. |
Thanks for the additional suggestions guys, they've all been added to my list.
I'd still like to get some opinions about the CD12 and CDS3. Does anyone here own them or atleast heard them? |
Boy, this thread turned ugly. Far from my intention. But I'm sincerely thankful for the suggestions and reviews. I just traveled to Dallas a few days ago to try out the Reimyo and and the dCS (knew some guys that had them) and I must say I was supremely impressed with both. The dCS was outstanding but a little out of my price range. The Reimyo was just as good, and in fact I think I preferred it, and well in my price range if I wait long enough. I need to find someone that has the CD12 and the Meitner combo near me now. |
I'm definitely now leaning towards the Reimyo. I heard the EMM Labs combo yesterday and while it was extraordinary I really think the Reimyo has it beat when it comes to musicality - which in my book nearly trumps all. I still have some more players to try out, but the more I've heard the Reimyo, the more impressed I've been with it. |
RE Robm321:
I meant under $12k USED. I can easily find one used for that price. I think there's on up on Audiogon now for $11k. |
RE Robm321:
No, I'm not going to be buying blind. I have already taken a few trips to test out some of these players (I've heard the Reimyo, EMM Labs combo, and dCS combo so far). I mainly started this thread to get suggestions on what players to look out for and what to listen for. Even when using my own ears for the final decision I always find good reviews and comparisons helpful.
And a sincere thanks to everyone who's given suggestions and reviews. I've yet to find another place that has such a large amount of well informed audiophiles (with apparantly huge wallets! :D ). |
RE Splaskin:
Just out of curiosity, where can the Reimyo be purchased for under $12k new? |
