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Help on premium cd player

I've been playing around with separates (upsamplers, dacs, transports) seeking like many something that sounds right (like vinyl?). Lately been trying to find a good transport to work with my, largely used, collection of parts. Have now stepped back and realized that I'm already out $3-4,000 and still don't have what I'm looking for, and tired of the search. I want to listen to music. So switching tactics and looking for a really good player in the $3-5,000 range {used), then sell off my "inventory", rationalize cables and rack space and just enjoy (90% classical, jazz and vocals). My candidates, based on reviews and hours reading threads here and AudioAsylum, are

Accuphase dp 65x or 75
Audio Aero Capitole 24/92
Audiomecca Mephisto II
Electrocompaniet EMC-1 Mk2 24/92
Wadia 860x

As an old banker I get a warm feeling if the manufacturer isn't likely to disappear overnight. To those who suggest that I first audition and trust my ears, I agree 100% in theory, but it's not possible where I live.

Comments/recommendations from those who have owned more than one product or were otherwise able to directly compare two or more especially valued.

Oh, my equipment includes tube and transitor pres and amps so I'm flexible, not a zealot for either philosophy!

Many thanks in advance for your contribution. And apologies if this post is too long, just try to preclude questions rather than answers.
grandpad

Showing 2 responses by lakefrontroad

lakefrontroad
302 posts
 
Hi Audionut,

Given both your statements about the "world's greatest audio device" and your followup combined with your lack of registration here a Audiogon, I find your posts too mysterious for comfort. I gave up believing the in the tooth fairy and trusting authority blindly about fifty years ago.

If you want acceptance of your ideas in an open forum, try coming out of the closet and share where you buy from, where you're located and who you are. The rest of us do and allow others to judge our imput based on the content along with some assurance we're not scamming intellectually or economically.

In a vacuum, everything seems perfect.

Bill E.
lakefrontroad
302 posts
 
I have owned a Mephisto II, RA CD55, SCD-1 and Capitole 24/192. I've heard ML 30.5/31.6, ML39, EMC-1 I +++.

The Mephisto II has a depth of soundstage I've never heard before. The Mephisto II is very precise and detailed. It was in a new range from what I've heard before on redbook cd's. The Capitole 24/192 has an ease that's captivating. I decided to save bucks an sell my ML380S and Mephisto II and get the Aero Capitole and now that it's breaking in, I'm glad.

There is a "blooming" of the bass which I don't hear in the Mephisto or in other ss output stage cd units. It takes some getting used to. It's slightly over puffed. But, it's way more musical than the others, in my opinion. It also resolves the brighter passages and really bright poorly recorded rock cd's I have.

For me, it is clearly a toss up between the Mephisto II and the Capitole and I'm not sure which I'll prefer. While I'm writing this I listening to 40's big bands and I'm wrong. The Capitole does it better. It's amazing.

Good luck,

Bill Eichengrun
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