If I were starting with nothing and wanted to spend less than $1,000, then something like the Rega Planet or Parasound 1000 would be on my list of things to try. I borrowed the Planet to try as a transport. I did not like it as a tranport, but out of curiosity I tried it as a cd player and it wasn't bad, but not better than either of the two digital separate setups that I own. If you already have a Marantz cd 63, then I would try the Bel Canto. I have used a Marantz cd 94 as a transport for around 8 years and I also have a Bel Canto and like it very much. I have owned 2 Thetas and still have 2 Micromega dacs and have liked them also. Have not heard the Muse. Unfortunately, when I was starting out with digital separates there were not web sites like this so I have learned what I know thru trial and error. That is why I suggest a 1 box player if you can't audition separates without buying.
CD playback - 1 box or 2
If the group is ready for another “CD Player or Separates” question (I’ve read all the old ones that are still on-line), here goes… I had planned to spend one grand to buy a CD player. I started to listen to budget/mid items like Arcam Alpha’s through 8SE, Rotel’s through 991…. They were mostly a nice improvement over what I’ve been using, but they really didn’t excite me much. (I’d especially like to hear more of the weight and resonance of the human voice.) (I’m running through Linn Majik to Linn Sekrit speakers.) ….. So now, I think I might have to look at the next level of players and perhaps think Used. Now, maybe I’m looking for an Alpha 9, or a Linn Genki, or Meridian 506, or something in that neighborhood. ….. In that used-equipment price range, a combination of a DAC like one of the MSBs or a Muse 2 and an inexpensive but well-regarded player used as a transport also seems affordable. It defies reason to think that a two-box solution at this price range would measure up to the performance of a good one-box. But, what do you think? Should I be considering two-box options as well?
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