dinosaur ISO player...


I'm searching for a new CD/HDCD/SACD player. DAC would be OK, but it is not a priority. My current player is crapping out (technical term!) - a CARY 306 that has been played to death. I have a big collection of discs, and I listen often. I haven't seen anything new that still does HDCD. I'm thinking reliability is a priority, so without starting a fight going, I'm honestly thinking Japanese.
Esoteric K05X, Marantz SA-10, Yamaha CDS 3000 come to the forefront of my search so far, but my HDCDs will be CDs with those players I believe.
 Any suggestions what player(s) I should be considering?
24phun

Showing 1 response by lostbears


 ARC Ref 7 CD player. It uses the same transport as CD jukeboxes so if needed, parts won't be a problem. And it is a real deal at the price they sell for used.

 I listen to a lot of vinyl, maybe half the time. The CD7 does not leave me wanting. It is very smooth, detailed and holographic. Just a truly excellent CD player. I have felt no need to upgrade even after I upgraded my phono preamp. My only other choice would be Esoteric. But I really like the smoothness the tubes provide.

 I have been down the Pioneer DVD player path some years ago when my Theta transport died. I picked up the Pioneer DVD player everyone raved about to use as a temporary transport. It was just horrid sounding even through a excellent DAC. DVD players do not make good transports. I ended up buying a demo Ref CD7 and selling my Theta.