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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
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
ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,461 posts
 
jtsnead,

I also love my Direct Stream Memory Player/ Dac combo.

ozzy
fischer3966's avatar
fischer3966
28 posts
 
Love the EAR Yonshio Acute Classic - it's a redbook CD player and included wonderful DAC. 
gammajo's avatar
gammajo
844 posts
 
Ayon CD5s used or new Ayon CD35se. Robust tubed power supply and output stage, class A preamp with analogue volume control included. Best I have heard and I have heard many.
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
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