Advice on Cary CD Players or other options.

The Cary 303 is built like a tank. The insides look very nice. I opened it up to take pictures just to see!

I had a 303/100 for 2-3 years. A friend has a 303/200. Our view is that it has a dynamic and powerful sound but that it tends to sound a bit grainy and digital. Both of us use relatively neutral tube preamps and non-tube amps. I ended up using my 303 as a transport for a highly modded DAC, for which it did superbly.

Given the build quality of the 303, I am wondering if a SuperClock 3 would be the ticket to make the sound more smooth and analog.

The Quad sounds interesting, esp since it has digital inputs.

Mdp0430,

Thank you very much! Yes it is a fat strat in the back ground. That's a very nice guitar you own. I liked the 308 a lot but I am always trying new gear. I had an opportunity to sell it so I jumped on it. My wife calls it a "sickness".

I am interested what you think about the CD Player once you get some better suited cables in the mix. I was considering the Naim player as well. Although, I keep hearing great things about the Quad player. Anyway, keep updated on your findings..

Chris

hello again,
I have been a self-defined audiophile for years and have gone through three decades of "progress"! From "Pink Triangle" turntables to Nakamichi Dragon cassette decks.
The quality of music from the same music system can vary depending on ambient noise, ear wax status, and a full stomach.
Not to mention the distortion changes in atmospheric temperature and pressure can produce. People argue about changes in sound quality from merely changing interconnects. So I am sure changing the source, i.e. a CD player can make a profound difference.
All I am saying is, it may be time to challenge conventional wisdom...and instead of first picking the best source money can buy , one may be better off spending that money on quality speakers and amplification equipment (with a standardised CD source). And then for the final link compare different CD players (source) and pick the best value for money.
Eusmani 

I've had the both 303/100 and 303/200 liked them a lot, definitely in the same fmaily, but the 200 is an improvement. I've found the bass and dynamics on either to be excellent. Both have a very wide and tall soundstages (though perhaps not as deep as some), excellent detail and resolution, and are very smooth sounding. The Cary 303s have a dynamic and vivid presentation that's quite appealing. Not exactly laid back, but not digital or fatiguing either IMO, at least not the 303/200 in my system (Alon speakers, Herron elctronics, Nordost Quattro Fil ICs).

I've found digital equipment sensitive to power - I use a TG Audio SLVR and plug it into a dedicated line (straight into the wall) - if you're getting grain from the system be sure your other gear is plugged into a separate circuit from your digital. I've found this makes a difference. (My 303/200 is not grainy sounding.) I've also noticed Cary players also take a long time to settle in - break-in when new took over 200 hours. If you;re trying brand new cables or PCs, you need to give everything time to settle in. (Yes, dump the straightwire.)

For $1500 used the 303/200 is a great buy.

Like you, I also have a pair of Grand Piano's driven by a VAC Avatar integrated amp with a Cary 303-100, and have been very happy with it. Wide soundstage, authoratative low end, and the dynamic range really make this player sings. Like some of the responses above, I found it match well with the Synergistic PC, and after trying different interconnects (from Nordost, Audience, Kimber, to Ridge Street), I have settled with the Cardas Golden Reference. Another player that's really close to it is the Ayre CX-7. It actually more detail, but with a slightly narrower soundstage and less dynamic low end. IMHO. Try them both if you have the opportunity.