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Decent CD Players

I'm in the midst of putting together a 2 channel system. I have listened to a lot of CD players and I don't think that any players, regardless of price, have really met my ideal. I'm looking for a player that is transparent, has good timing (is not slow as some players seem to be), clear midrange, good bass, good staging and handles the highs well. The budget is around $1,500.

I won't bore you with all of the players I have listed to, but here are two players that could serve as a benchmark. I would say that Arcam's CD92 is pretty clear but not that engaging. The player is dull. I have not listened to the FMJ CD23 but understand that is similar to the 92. The Musical Fidelity A3 is fairly decent but still fails overall. If I had the financial resources, I suppose that I would purchase a Meridian 508.24. This is not much info to go on, but do you have any recommendations?
biscayne

Showing 1 response by mikem1062

mikem1062
4 posts
 
I think you might be able to find a used Granite Audio Model 657 CDP roughly within your price range.

The 657 offers a tube output section that basically brought tears to me eyes. Maybe not a very informative statement from a technical perspective, but it does sort of convey the emotional response I've felt myself and witnessed in others who hear the unit for the first time.

There aren't a lot of reviews out on this unit, but looking around you may find a thread here and there discussing the model.
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