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Advice needed re: new CD player purchase

Hello everyone. New member but long-time lurker here. My system: Bryston 4B-ST amp, Bryston BP25 preamp, and Meridian 508.24 CD player (all purchased in 1998 and all performing flawlessly), Kimber KCAG balanced interconnects, Audioquest speaker cable, and Esoteric power cords. I have Thiel CS2.4 loudspeakers.

I have about 4500 CDs (about 3% of which are hybrid SACDs). I love my system, but I want a new CD player. Am I right to think that advances in audio technology over the last 24 years have left my Meridian in the dust, sonically speaking? So I have been looking at various players. A few parameters: I will only buy new; I want XLR outputs; and I’d prefer to not spend over 5k.

I’m looking hard at the Bryston BCD-3, and the Technics SL-G700. Having owned Bryston products now for almost 24 years, I’m extremely impressed by their build quality and performance. However, the BCD-3 is not an SACD player. I’ve read a few solid reviews of the Technics, but I’m suspicious of their long-term reliability. There are no dealers where I live or within 200 miles. I looked at the Marantz line, and their only player with balanced outputs is the SA-10, which I’ve heard is awesome but I’m unwilling, at this point, to pay $7500 (although my mind is not closed on the matter).

Anyone here have either the Bryston or the Technics player? Will I notice a marked improvement with a new player (as compared to my 508.24)? Like most of you, this is my life. After work, I listen 2-3 hours per day, sometimes more on weekends. Thanks in advance for your advices.
jeroboam

Showing 4 responses by gradyjames

gradyjames
22 posts
 

I can't speak for the Technics ST-G700 but I own the Technics ST-G30 Music Server/CD Ripper and the sound is excellent and the build is more than simply solid. I even bought used and I'm very happy with it. You have to remember that with the Bryston it's warranty on the BCD-3 is not the famous 20 year but 5 year, same as the Technics. JJG

gradyjames
22 posts
 

I can't comment on the Bryston BCD-3, or the Technics SL G-700, but I do own a Technics ST G-30. The sound is excellent & the build is beyond reproach. All you really need to do is count off what really matter's to you. The Bryston is not SACD, the Technics is. The warranty on the Bryston is not the famous 20 year, it's 5 year, same as the Technics. I know where you can pick brand new SL G-700's for $2,999, I'm pretty sure the Bryston goes 3,764, or somewhere near there. I know I was interested in the SL G-700 myself. Either that or a good used PS Audio Perfectwave CD Transport. I'm surprised your not thinking of a Perfeçtwave CD Transport yourself if you haven't already chosen yourself, I know I'm a little late chiming in. If you haven't then read up on on the PS Audio Perfectwave CD Transport, it's SACD and I2S through HDMI output enabled. Either way, good luck, & happy listening. 

 

JJG

gradyjames
22 posts
 

I can't comment on the BDA3 or the SL G-700, but I can comment on Technics model ST G-30 Music Server/CD Ripper. The sound is excellent and the build is beyond reproach. You really need to go by the list it sounds you already started. The BCD-3 is not SACD enabled, the SL G-700 is. The warranty on the Bryston is not the 20 year's I think someone commented on. It's 5 year's, same as the SL G-700. I know where you can pick up a SL G-700 for $2,999. I think the the BCD-3 goes for $3,764, or somewhere near there. I was thinking about a SL G-700 myself. Either that or a PS Audio Perfectwave CD Transport. I'm pretty sure your budget would cover a brand new one. Myself I'm lolling at good used one's. Either way, if you haven't took the plunge yet, I know I'm a little late chiming in but . . . happy listening. 

gradyjames
22 posts
 

Bryston's 20 year warranty only applies to it's analog amplifiers, not digital player's. The BCD-3's warranty is 5 year's, same as the Technics SL G-700. I do not own either but I do own the Technics ST G-30 Media Server/CD Ripper. I can give you first hand knowledge as to Technics build quality, it is beyond reproach. Both the BCD-3 and the SL G-700 use the same dac (AKM). My Technics ST G-30 sounds excellent. You've read the reviews on the SL G-700, same as myself, I'm thinking about one also. I know a couple online sites where I cannpick one up for $2999, whereas the Bryston BCD-3 goes for $3999. I'm also seriously thinking about a PS Audio Perfeçtwave CD Transport. Of course you or myself would need a separate dac. It's also XLR & I2S through HDMI enabled. It's your option. Either way you go, good luck & happy listening. JJG

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