Emotiva

I thought it sounded sterile compared to Cambridge players. I sent it back.

Hi Patrick -

Depends to a degree on what version of the Emotiva CD player you are referring to.  I have owned both the 2nd & 3rd versions.  No experience with the current model (4th version).  The 4th version has been in production for a few years.  I don't know if a version 5 is in the works.

The Emotiva is solid and well built.  It also sounds pretty good for a player in its price category ($600) ... no more, no less.  I lived with both versions in my smaller set-up for several years and my chief criticism was that the player sounded not as focused and soft at certain higher frequencies.  When I would compare the Emotiva to other CD players I own (Musical Fidelity CD PRE 24 and a Unison Research Unison), the sound was not as full.  Not a fair comparison mind you, as these other players cost multiples of the Emotiva.

I would say I am probably spoiled by the other players and the Emotiva may be your best bet under a grand.  Depending on your budget and assuming that you are buying new, at the grand plus level, I would look at the Denon DCD 1600 ($1300), Rotel 1572 ($1000), and the Rega Apollo ($1100).  Below a grand, the Rotel Tributes line looks interesting.  I have owned a Cambridge CD player (540) ... loved it actually, but it failed within a year.  Never impressed by the NAD or Marantz offerings.  

I see you own an Outlaw RR2160 receiver.  Nice unit.  I have had a 2150 in use in a bedroom set-up for 15 plus years.  The Outlaw will surprise you ... it likes to be partnered with better equipment.  I am not sure if you can plug in a CD transport and take advantage of the Outlaw's DACs.  If you can, that could be an option.  If it is, the transports offered by Audiolab and Cambridge would be very acceptable, as well as lower priced options.  Check out the Outlaw Saloon, I am sure there are archived discussions.   

From the Outlaw User manual ... A Wealth of Analog and Digital Inputs: While analog sources continue to be a key part of stereo listening, in today’s digital world, it is essential to have inputs for sound cards and servers. The RR 2160 has a pair of both optical and coaxial inputs along with both front and rear-panel USB inputs. They feed Burr-Brown PCM DACs with native 192/24 capability. Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about analog. There are six analog stereo RCA inputs, a 3.5mm front panel jack and an external processor loop, which can be used as an additional input. In addition to these, we’ve updated the MM/MC capable phono preamp for our vinyl fanatics.

Best regards,

Rich 

I bought a Emotive ERC-4 in 2019.  I needed a new CDP and I liked that it had a DAC built in so I could run another source (MacBook).  It is solidly build.  nice layout and the sound is very good for the price.
Had a chance to get a MHDT Stockholm v2 DAC and now run the Emotiva through it.  Much better sound but for the Price the Emotiva makes a great transport.

I took home the third version and that it was good for the money and well built but inside the fourth version i am not so happy with the build quality anymore total redesign for sure.

I agree with @rar1 , I have the ERC2 and love it, sounds great to me, even though I have not compared it with other players on that system. I love how the remote is super heavy and substantial, and the player sounds great! I’m guessing it’s a killer bang for your buck

I have the ERC-3 and have been happy with the sound through the speakers. It’s the sound of the disc spinning in the machine that troubles me. In quiet pieces this rattle is enough to distract from the listening experience at times. I wouldn’t say absolutely don’t get one, but I’m not positive I’d buy it again. 

I own an ERC-3 and it is a solidly built unit with at least decent sound. Most of my digital listening is done via ripped music on my network drive, but I like having the CD player to audition new material

I thought the highs were rolled off! Sold it!

Sound quality differences between CD players that aren't broken are almost entirely imaginary.    I have several disk players, only one is a dedicated CD player and it almost never gets used.  Streaming my library from hard drive storage is too convenient.  The main CD player that I use is the one in my computer for ripping to hard drive.

I had ERC 3, nice sound but mechanism failed 3 times, Trade in sounded good but 
ERC 4 did not. Alot lighter product lower gain at outputs, did not sound as good as  the 3.
Using as transport now with old Wadia 26. Has great quality connectors.  Has done well as transport.