2. digital
  3. 1095609555

I need a good quality CD player - with changer

I am updating my system and need some advice. I have Magnapan MG1.6 speakers and am looking to add a CD changer (don't ask why!) with digital output, DAC, and amplifier. For a DAC, I've pretty much settled on a used Bel Canto DAC2 or Birdland Odeon-ag version 1.1 (?) or newer. (If someone has a better idea on DAC's, I'd be glad to hear it.)

My question: It seems like I remember NAD, Parasound, and maybe Pioneer made CD changers with good transports - changers which also had digital output capabilities. I am only looking for a five (or so) disc changer that has a 96KHz output and is new enough to play CD-R's.

Any recommendations for a good sounding (used or new) changer to go with my new DAC? I'm flexible on price, but am looking to purchace closer to the $500 range than the $2000 range...

Thanks!
delsfan

Showing 2 responses by tomryan

tomryan
797 posts
 
Anyone else find the slow mechanical action of Sony SACD players irritating?
tomryan
797 posts
 
I have been using a Marantz 4000 OSE changer for about 3 years and it has performed flawlessly. Has the fastest action of any CD player I've seen. Changes discs in about 4 secs, literally. I also have an older (5 years) C.E.C. transport which maybe gives a little more solidity and maybe a tad more spaciousness than the Marantz but that's it. I keep them both on my rack and use the 4000 OSE probably 75% of the time since I love to program my own multi-artist concerts.

By the way, I use a Perp Tech P3A DAC with all WrightMods and have compared to Bel Canto DAC 2 which I owned. The Perp Tech is as good except in one area - DAC 2 has a bit more bass extension but the Perp Tech has a more extended high end. A trade off and since I have a subwoofer, I'm sticking with the Perp Tech but may audition some others but they'd have to be much better and, of course, more expensive. You can probably get a used PT w/ all mods for around $450.00 ($1,150.00 new).

The Benchmark does sound interesting but then so does a number of quite expensive DACs and it appears we have to spend a lot more to get a little more improvement.
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