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Best redbook-only CD Player under $10k - Bryston BCD3, Resolution Audio Cantata 3.0, ....

I’m interested in hearing thoughts on great CD players under $10k.  I prefer single box and not separate DAC and Transport.  I’m ok with high quality used gear too.  I’ve read good things about the two players in the title and I’ve heard the Esoteric K03x and was impressed (it outperformed the Wadia 781i quite easily).  I’d be interested in hearing if anyone did some side-by-side comparisons too.  I don’t have any SACDs so I don’t need that functionality.  Thanks!
goldman

Showing 3 responses by georgehifi

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
goldman
Which Esoteric has R2R Ladder multi bit DAC....all of them or just one in particular?


Cary 303/200 has a PCM1704 R2R multibit


Esoteric  CD Player Models with R2R Multibit converters are.

ESOTERIC X-01   8 x PCM1704 

ESOTERIC X-03   4 x PCM1704 

ESOTERIC X-1      4 x AD1862N

ESOTERIC X-1S   4 x AD1862N

ESOTERIC X-10w / X-10WD   2 x AD1864N

ESOTERIC X-25  4 x AD1862N


Esoteric Dacs with R2R Multibit are.

ESOTERIC D-01   8 x PCM1704

ESOTERIC D-1   2 x PCM64P 

ESOTERIC D-2    4 x PCM1701P

ESOTERIC D-3   8 x AD1862N

ESOTERIC D-10   2 x PCM64P

ESOTERIC D-30   8 x PCM63P-K

ESOTERIC D-70   4 x PCM1704


Cheers George


georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Yes the Ayon CD5s would be a good used choice, as it uses 4 x PCM1704K R2R multibit converter chips.
But the 35se to me would not be as good for Redbook, as it can do sacd which would mean it has to be a delta sigma converter of sorts, not the best way for converting Redbook.

Cheers George
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
goldman
Best redbook-only CD Player under $10k
I’m ok with high quality used gear too.

R2R Multibit conversion is the best way to hear RedBook pcm 16/44 24/96 or DXD.

Used "players" in order of preference I’ve heard all use R2R Multibit conversion.

Naim CD555 with optional 555 power supply.
Linn Sondek CD12 last MkIII version
Mark Levinson No.39

Cheers George
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