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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 9 responses by tbg

tbg
5,263 posts
 
I used to be of the opinion that the Reimyo was at the top of the pile, but I nevertheless used the Exemplar 3910 as I wanted not only redbook. Recently with the new Exemplar 5910 I have tried the Halcyonic active isolation base. It made such a major inprovement that I now have to go back to consider what improvements it might make under other players. It may be that the platform further improves everything, or it may be that some are more greatly improved than others resulting in a foreshortening of the differences among them.

The Halcyonic also vastly improved my vinyl system. This unit has greatly complicated my life and of course given me sound that I thought was impossible.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Yep. Sorry about that, but I am trying to figure out how I can have two of them.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Sorry if I disturb your sensibilities, Judy. Please avoid my posts. I think you are unable to see my great enthusiasm for the H-Cat and the Halcyonics. I like the Cerious and think the Exemplar products are the best moded units I have heard, but do say the Reimyo is the best digital I have heard. I am certainly not alone in singing the praises of the Indra. I am sorry you don't have enthusiasm for anything.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Busypk, would that not be true of everyone? Please remember that I make no such claim.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
I see what is going on Judy. I hope your desire is fulfilled.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Use your own ears is always the best thing to do.

Most threads turn ugly now days.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Yes, 911 and Katrina scared people to evacuate. After Rita, no one will leave. I prepared most of yesterday for an overcast day with some wind. At least it is somewhat cooler.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
You are right, Robm, but obviously many find it worth it. I love it but could not bring myself to buy one especially as I want to have SACD capability, necessitating another expensive unit. There are certainly other more expensive digital front ends that I find do not equal the Reimyo even comparing SACDs to cds.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Guidocorona, at CES the five box Teac did sound very good and outperformed the lesser versions. Of course, I will never try it in my system. Given the performance of the Exemplar 5910 on the Halcyonics base, it would be an interesting question whether it would be better to buy the Exemplar and Halcyonic or go all out for the Teac. I suspect it would be the Exemplar/Halcyonic. All I know is that the Halcyonic will go under whatever digital I have, including the VRS were I to go that way.
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