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French CD players' sound ?

I've had a Micromega Stage 2 for a couple of years now and really like it sonically. So much so that I turned down an opportunity to replace it with a Theta Miles (unbalanced) because I didn't think the Miles was "better enough" in my system. However, mechanical reliability is getting to be an issue with this 6-year-old player. Does anyone out there have experience with the sonic signatures of other French offerings? Audio Refinement, Audio Meca, YBA.

For those who don't, but can't resist an appeal for a recommendation, I'm not necessarily looking for a neutral player. I like the warm, slightly soft (but clear) sound I get from the Micromega in my system. My room doesn't allow holographic imaging, although I have managed a decent "phantom center". The rest of the chain is Cary (pre), Threshold (power) and Apogee (speakers).
macdonj

Showing 1 response by james50

james50
40 posts
 
I agree that French CD players do sound more musical as a
general rule, compared to American and Japanese CD players.
I have been using a Micromega Duo Transport and Duo BS since
1992, and they are still functioning perfectly. Over the years, I have noticed that no reviewer has tapped the potential of the Duo and Trio transports by supporting them
on a slab of granite as per manufacturer's recommendation. I believe that the granite (I use 1.5" thick slab)is supposed to act as a mechanical sink through the spike foot on the transport. In addition, I have found that the Harmonic Tech Magic Digital cable to work very well. Better than Kimber AGDL. Anyways, I digress.
The Canadian audio magazine, UHF recently tested some French
CD players and DACs that they really liked. These were the
Vecteur CD transport and CD player, and a Audiomat D/A
converter. You might try to locate these for a listen.
Maybe e-mail UHF for information.
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