Mine SONY S9000ES (is not moded) does not stand a chance to 9 years old cdp from Arcam (worth $300, bought for 300GBP in 1996 in London) not to mention cdp's of better bread. Just recently mine Arcam after 9 years of perfect service broke, given a choice to use as cdp SACD from SONY I prefer not to listen at all, then suffer, I dislike it so much, it is so unmusical. Comparing it to Audio Areo which I know from HE or CES is just incomprehensible to me.
Digital Direct SHOOTOUT
Ok, here it is, the royal shootout of CD players direct into an amp, sans preamp. Who has the best combination of liquid mids, PRAT, great bass, authority and control while maintaining transparency and pinpoint imaging. Let's hear it....
Resolution Audio Opus 21
Audio Aero Capitole MK II
Audio Aero SACD Player
APL Denon 3910
Burmester 001
Meitner CDD Transport/DCC2
Wadia 861
Esoteric D01/P01 combo
Anything else????
I am guessing some of these will offer the best mids, or the best transparency, but overall, which has the best balance of richness and detail?
Resolution Audio Opus 21
Audio Aero Capitole MK II
Audio Aero SACD Player
APL Denon 3910
Burmester 001
Meitner CDD Transport/DCC2
Wadia 861
Esoteric D01/P01 combo
Anything else????
I am guessing some of these will offer the best mids, or the best transparency, but overall, which has the best balance of richness and detail?