Best CD player...for ME ;


Hi,
This is NOT a question of which player is better, but which one is the best for me.

For me, I would like to have one that is as acurate and unforgiving as possible. But at the same time, one that has characteristics of tubes - warm sounding, not harsh, brite or edgy. I am totally into acurate midrange reproduction. And totally against piercing highs (I have a "recruitment" hearing loss where music past 65 dbs hurts my ears).

My current system is a set of Martin Logan ReQuest, PrimaLuna ProLogue One tube amp...and... a 1999... Panasonic DVD player
:(

I can't afford the "best" out there, and my budget is only as high as the Music Hall CD-25 retails (~$550). NAD and Cambridge models are also in consideration, but not limited to just these. Can you recommend any others, as well as commenting on the ones I've mentioned?

I know the best thing to do is to "listen for yourself", but if you guys could kinda point me in the right direction so I don't waste too much time with auditioning players that don't even come close to what I'm looking for.

Thanks a whole bunch in advance!
peter_klim
You might want to check out the Rega Planet 2000. If you buy used, it can be had in your price range. I think that might be just what you are looking for.
I would call Ric Schultz at EVS and chat about one of his modded players. Disclaimer: I have one of his hand-built DACs. Very ruthless, accurate, yet liquid. Lots of PRaT. Give Ric a call.
There's a great review of the Rotel RCD 1072 in TAS Feb/Mar 2004 - very affordable.
How about one of those "Ah! Njoe Tjoeb" Tube CD players? they are not too expecive. under 700, has a tube front end.
Hey, would one of you please tell me what my favorite ice cream should be?! I currently have a big white bowl and a large spoon. I like the rich flavor of chocolate, but not when it's made too busy by multiple flavors (chunky monkey) or those damn jimmys! I also like strawberry, but definitely not mixed with chocolate, though with vanilla it is magical for me. Could one of you please help me narrow this down a bit. Baskin Robbins has 31 flavors, and I don't know how many possible combinations (forgot that math lesson), but it's quite a few!

Tobias- good advice!

Marco

PS Sorry Peter, couldn't resist! :-)