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Another CD Player shopping question

Appreciate advice on CD Player shopping. Movers broke my Rega and now I'm in the market for a new player. I'm pretty flexible on budget, let's say between $1,000 and $2,000. Willing to consider new or used.

I auditioned the new Rega Planet alongside the Arcam Diva 82 and preferred the Arcam. Have been very interested in the Sony XA-777ES based on the reviews, design and modding potential. That said, I'm convinced SACD is going nowhere.

Can anyone tell me if the Sony XA-777ES is worth buying vs. an Arcam for regular CD playback only?

Are there other CD players that I should be considering?

I listen to a wide range of music but example bands would include: Cat Power, Jurassic 5, Iron & Wine, DJ Krush, Low, Clem Snide, and some classic jazz.

Thanks!
charlesz1d45

Showing 1 response by kurt_tank

kurt_tank
1,189 posts
 
Well here are the few that I had my list narrowed down to before I bought mine a couple of months ago.
Also enclosed are the approximate (used) prices:

Cary 306/200 ($2,300/with volume control, $2,000 w/o)

Ayre CX-7 ($2,000)

Resolution Audio Opus 21
(1,800 older model - $2,200 new model)

I eventually went with the Resolution Audio Opus 21. It is a Great player, almost analog sounding, but it plays CDs only. By the way, the older model had two minor problems: The transport was somewhat noisy (audible between tracks), and the remote did not have direct track access. Both problems solved in the later model. (Jeff at Resolution Audio can update your player for a modest fee. (I got the later model so I did not need to have it done luckily. Jeff is a Great guy, btw!)

The Cary has HDCD decoding as well. The Cary and the Resolution Audio have built-in volume controls that allow you to hook them up to an amplifier directly, thus negating the need for a preamp. (That being said, I use a preamp with my Opus, and I use the DIN output to bypass said volume control.)

Check out the discussion forums for all three here and on Audio Asylum, as well as the on-line review sites.

I doubt you would go wrong with any of the three.

Good Luck!
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