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Best budget CDP?

I'm putting together a small two channel system based around a pair of Zu Druids and small tube hybrid intgrated amp that I got as part of a HCT HMS-100 package (same as the Vuum Audio VTi-B1 or the Dared MP-5 without the USB port). Also considering upgrading to a Onix SP-3, but that's a differnt story.

I need to find a decent CDP that would be a nice match for this budget system. $1000 would be my max, but I would really like stay ~ $500 if possible, but not if I can't get a nice sounding unit at this price.

I'm also putting a small LCD or Plasma in this room so a nice univeral unit would be even better, but music performance in paramount. Another consideration which makes a univerval unit an attractive option is that I would still have a spare set of inputs to add a TT down the road if I decide to get back into LP's.

Thoughts/suggestions will be much appreciated.

BTW, I only have BB/CC in our town, so I really don't have the option to listen to much and this is why I must ask for help. Used is fine.

Thanks.
jack_dotson

Showing 6 responses by jack_dotson

jack_dotson OP
210 posts
 
Thanks so much for the responses so far. Something I didn't mention, which is also important to me, is cosmetics.

The Music Hall seems to keep popping up in all kinds of forums as do the Denon's. The Muisc hall looks like a good match, finish wise, for the Onix.

Onix also sells a CD-5 (black only) which I think is the same as the Music Hall, but some say it's better. Not sure why though.

I also see the new Cambridge upsampler mentioned, but I've read a couple of reviews that reported a titled top end and some siblance issues on vocals. This scared me off of these units.

The Oppo is whithout a dobut major bang for the buck in the video department and I may end up with one for just this reason, but I'm not excited about using it for audio. Not to mention it looks cheap in the pictures I've seen.

Anyhow, thanks to everyone who resonded so far. Any more suggestions? Especially at the lower end of my budget. :0)
jack_dotson OP
210 posts
 
Sugarbrie, the more I read the more I'm leaning toward a cambridge unit. However, on another thread I read that if one was to buy the 740 they should spend extra and get the 840.

However, it seems to me that both are practically the same operationally and differ only in features and DAC's, which I doubt will make that big of a difference.

Since you recommended the 740 I thought I'd also ask if you have any experience or thoughts about the 840.

Anyone else that has experience with either please chime in as well.
jack_dotson OP
210 posts
 
Many good recommendations here, but I'm still leaning toward the Cambridge units, although the Consonance CD-120 linear also has my interest peaked.

I would really like to hear from anyone that has made a direct comparison between the 740C and 840C. Not interested in the additional features, i.e. XLR's, only how they compare soundwise.

One thing I really like about the Camridge units is the digital inputs. Down the road I could rip my CD's to a squeeze box and run it through the Cambridge.

Cambride sound with a juke box for all my music. Sweet!

I realize the 840 is beyond my original budget, but if it sounds better than the 740 I'm worried I might regret that I didn't get it just to save a few hunderd bucks.

Just wish there was a Cambridge dealer in my area.
jack_dotson OP
210 posts
 
I ordered an Oppo 980H today. From numerous reports it's very good with video and it should do a respectable job with my SACD's and DVDA's. Certainly as good as the Pioneer LDP I'm using now.

According to the Oppo website the 980H was designed for improved audio. For two hundred bucks (2nd day air shipment included) I figure I can't go wrong and it will hold me over while I'm making up my mind on a permenant source.

My Onix SP-3 MKII arrived today so my two channel rig is starting to take shape.
jack_dotson OP
210 posts
 
My 980 arrived today, but I wont get a chance to check it out until tomorrow.

I was very impressed by the packaging and overall feel and appearance of this unit, even with the plastic face. I read somewhere that it was aluminum, but it's not.

I'll let y'all know my thoughts after I get some time with it. Having just busted the tar out my budget buying a new Sony LCD today I might have to live with it for awhile.

Had to have something to test the video side of the Oppo with; not to mention needing another HD option when football is on and the wife decides she's going to watch dancing with the stars.

Should save me from a few fights. :0)
jack_dotson OP
210 posts
 
Reubent, you get your modded Oppo installed yet. I'm tickled pink with my stock 980 and am seriously considering getting the mod's.

Please share your thoughts when you have time.
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