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 14 responses by jafant

jeroboam

 

How is the BCD-3 breaking-in? An update.

 

Happy Listening!

jjss49

 

Excellent! Keep me posted on progress. Let me know for further assistance.

 

Happy Listening!

jeroboam

 

Outstanding! I am looking forward to your initial impressions and thought on the BCD-3 player.

 

Happy Listening!

gradyjames

 

Yes, Bryston offers 5-years warranty on the BCD-3. Plus, actually stocks critical parts for this model (unlike the original BCD-1).

 

Happy Listening!

slbjbb

 

Nice score! on the ARC player. Which model did you purchase? A hot tip-

go ahead and purchase a back-up drive(transport) and Laser (optical) block for future repair.

 

Happy Listening!

jjss49

 

Which model Marantz SACD player?  Which player(s) do you own currently?

 

Happy Listening!

lucky_doggg7

 

Excellent score! on the Luxman D-03x. Keep us posted as you massge this player into your System.

 

Happy Listening!

vassilis_t
You are my kind of Audiophile- testing 10 spinners over 18 months!Incredible!
Happy Listening!
sbank
Another +vote for Wadia. The fan base is certainly there for a Renaissance.
Happy Listening!
jeroboam
Join Us over on the Thiel Owners thread. Good to see another CS 2.4 fan.
Happy Listening!