Since we've gone far afield from the players you initially mentioned as rock-friendly, I'll chime in with my own surprising recent discovery. I bought a used CAL Icon Mk II (without Power Boss upgrade) for about $400 as a back-up CD player to my EMC-1. The CAL is absolutely phenomenal as a rock CD player!! It is much more up-front and dynamic than the EMC-1, and sounds like it was built for rock music. My roommate will only use the CAL now, even for jazz. I still prefer the EMC-1, but I don't listen to too much rock anymore and have to agree that if I did, I would play it on the Icon instead of the EMC. Icons are always available used on this site, for around $400.
Best Rock Player... Jupiter??
I was ready to buy the Cary 303/200 but then I read a
post that the Rega had better PRAT. I also read that
the 303/200 can be a little slower sounding. I'm
looking for that all important boogie factor. It
seemed like what I was reading pointed me more towards
the Jupiter for boogie factor and rock music. Correct
me if I am wrong Cary fans.
I did heard the Jupiter vs Naim CD3.5 and I liked the
Rega better. The Naim seemed dry sounding?? I was
prepared to spend more for the Cary 303/200 but it seems
like the cheaper Jupiter might be more of my cup of tea
since its got more boogie factor..? Am I wrong? I
haven't heard the Cary, just the Naim and the Rega.
Thanks
Tom