CD player in the $2,500 to $5,000 range


I sold my old system (Bryston, MG 3.6r, Oracle Delphi, Parasound CD player) and have been working on putting together a simpler and smaller system. With advice from others on Audiogon, I bought a lovely pair of Sonus Faber Cremona Auditors, and a Cary SLI-80 Signature. Now I need to pick a CD player.

I listen to primarily piano music, opera, and chamber music (plus a smattering of jazz, from time-to-time). I don't give a darn about the "hi-fi experience." Grain free, no fatigue, timber accuracy, is what I value.

I'm thinking:

Ayre CX-7e
Meridian G08
AR CD3
Marantz SA 11s1

Any thoughts and advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

MMC
msmcelwee

Showing 3 responses by msmcelwee

THANK YOU EVERYONE. I live in an area where there are no real high-end dealers, so I have little chance to audition anything. I must rely on the advice and recommendations I get on Audiogon or from TAS etc (or take long road trips, which never seem to happen). The Apl 3910 and the Resolution Audio units were not previously known to me. They sound like great units for much less money than I was prepared to spend. Ain't Audiogon great! MMC
Thank you for the thoughtful thread, Rackon. And to everyone else for all the other insightful comments. My instincts tell me to start with the G08. Solid company. Good units are available on the Gon. And if I don't like it (doubtful), there is a market for such a player, and I can try some of the other suggestions.

And when I get this choice behind me, I can start working on a new record spinner. THAT will be fun.

MMC
Based on the comments by others, I've decided to pass on the modded units. I've narrowed the decision to a Cary 303-300 or the 306 SACD. Based on other threads, the 306 SACD seems to be the clear winner, and has the SACD capability as a bonus. I'll let you know how I like it after it arrives. Thanks all. MMC