2. digital
  3. 1138868457

Best player for Poorly Recorded redbook CDs?

There is lot on the cutting edge of digital players, Meitner, APL, Esoteric, Zanden, Reimyo, and the list goes on. Most have great reviews and their own followers. The problem is we usually test this with better recorded CDs or do not actually consciously think about how well a player plays poorly recorded CDs. If I have a main player for SACDs and avg-well recorded CDs, is there a player out there that somehow makes poorly recorded CDs sound better, and better than other equipment? Note this only pertains to poorly recorded CDs...and its not about being truthful/accuracy per se...all I want is something that will improve on bad CDs. Meitner is OK at this but I wonder if other players out there (and indeed it may well be a budget player,...who knows) that specifcally do this well. Given as music lovers, we generally own our fair share of poor sounding but great music CDs, I think this is potentially quite important and can pay lots of dividends after some investigation....at least that is the hope. Now thinking about this, its also somewhat surprising that professional reviewers do not really address this aspect much. Hmmm.

Any suggestions? Do you agree with this line of thiniking?
henryhk

Showing 3 responses by sugarbrie

sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
I've found the most efficient way to modify the sound is to change cables instead of hunting for a different player. It can help some with poor CD's if they are harsh, etc.

In many ways cables has evolved along with the players. In my collection of junk, I have an old late 1980s CD player that sounds terrible using a modern pair of interconnect cables. It actually sounds pretty good if I use a pair of old Audioquest cables that date from the same period.

My conclusion is those old cables where made for the equipment of the time. Those old cables veil the highest highs of modern players. On the old player is softens the hardness of the highest highs that was common at that time.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Good suggestion Kana813. I've never used EQ devices so I don't think of them. This is exactly their purpose...

I also agree learning to listen is also a big part. Once I get involved in the music I stop noticing the sound quality.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Henry...You really have not clearly defined what about the sound you don't like with these "bad sounding CDs". Might help us towards what CD player. If they are just poorly recorded you may have to live with it. The tube player idea is interesting along with the EQ idea.

I would not dismiss cables out of hand. I am not talking about changing a cable permanently, just for the CD's you don't like the sound of. It has worked for me. I can't speak for those who say it won't work. I never assume something will or won't work because it is someone else's opinion. I always kick the tires myself.

For the cable route, if you (or anyone else here) wants to explore it... a very highly detailed and smooooooooth cable is the Van Den Hul "The First". If you can pick up a pair used, give them a try.. If is does not work for you, they sell really easy and you'll get your money back.
More to discover