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Buying Hi-End CD Player or Transport..

I'm looking to buy a new CD Player to my Home Theater/ Music System. I have narrowed down to 3 choices:
1. YBA CD1 (Solid State)
2. Balanced Audio Technology BAT VK-D5 (Tube CD Player)
3. Sonic Forntiers SFCD-1 (Tube CD Player)
4. Forsell Reference Transport.

Here is my current system.
Preamp: BAT VK-5i (Tube)
Processor: EAD TM-Signature
Power Amp: Jeff Rowland Model 5
Speaker: B& W Matrix 802 S3

Which would be the best way to go. adding transport or cd player. If buying the transport, I'll use EAD Signature as a DAC. If buying cd player, which one is the best.

Your comment would be very appreciated.
Supakit S.
supakit

Showing 2 responses by jtinn

jtinn
1,124 posts
 
The two best that I have heard are not on your list. The Audiomeca Mephisto II CD player and the Audio Aero Capitole 24/192. Both use the Anagram dac and are far more analog sounding than anything you have mentioned. They both have incredible depth of stage and incredible resolution with no signs of harshness or thinness. I have not heard their equal at any price.
jtinn
1,124 posts
 
Since the 39 has been replaced by the 390s and there is a significant improvement, I would not consider the "old" 39. :) The new 390s uses the Anagram DAC made famous by Audiomeca and Audio Aero. The Audio Aero Capitole 24/192 also has a gain control and puts out a hefty 3.5 - 4 v's. It will drive most anything. If all you listen to is digital, I would strongly suggest the possibility of selling your preamp and running the Capitole directly for what could be the best sound. If you want just a DAC, the Audiomeca Enkianthus is fantastic.

I would be careful with Levinson product right now due to the changeover in the 39. I am sure the other units will follow shortly.

The other good news is that very shortly Audio Aero will be releasing their Premier SACD/CD/DVD-V/CD-R/CD-RW/CD-V upsampling player. It should raise some eyebrows.

PS. I have always been a Levinson digital fan, but they seem to be a bit behind the latest technology right now with most of their units.
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