Hi, I listened to the CD12 extensively and compared it to several players and DACs. The Ayre wasn't even close. It's a good piece, but the CD12 is still state of the art. The Theta Gen VIII was 50% of the price and was 95% as good though. The EMM setup for $30K may have more information, but lacked the pace and rhythm of the CD12. That would be a matter of preference and system IMHO.
I settled on the Gen VIII. The only way you'll be able to hear what the CD12 can do is by buying a top flight preamp too. That means a VTL 7.5 or equivalent. So if price is no object that's the way to go. Personally, I look at it from the perspective that I saved $20K.
Good luck!
I settled on the Gen VIII. The only way you'll be able to hear what the CD12 can do is by buying a top flight preamp too. That means a VTL 7.5 or equivalent. So if price is no object that's the way to go. Personally, I look at it from the perspective that I saved $20K.
Good luck!