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Meridian, Ayre, Musical Fidelity, Ayon, Lector $2k

The current leaders in the $2-3k range for used. What do you guys think?

Meridian seems to be back on track after the cheap CD loader on the G08, though I'm not sure about the sliding CD loader on the G08.2. Are they still KOTM?

Is the MP filter offered by Ayre going to surpass Meridian? The white paper on the Ayre website gets analyzed by the Meridian forum. Cool stuff!

Why do people bash Musical Fidelity? Isn't the A1008 a good single box CDP? Where's the love or is the bashing justified?

What's the deal with Ayon Audio? NKOTB or the real deal?

What will happen with Lector's pricing when the cdp-7t MkIV version comes out?

Will this be THE thread for all those with $2-3k to spend? I'm thinking yes! Regardless, I'd like to know because I need to replace my CDP and posting which is best is like asking someone if their kid is cute.

My system:
Yamamoto A-08S
Zu Definition Pro w/Rane PEQ55 EQ
Canary CA-903 Line stage
Canary CA-400 Phono stage
Roksan Radius V w/Zyx Airy cart.
aceboympk

Showing 2 responses by mmike84

mmike84
309 posts
 
The Ayre c5xe w/o the upgrade is the best CDP I've ever found under $10K and I've tried many. It is much better than any Meridian I've ever heard as well as a lot of others. The upgrade is cheap and well worth it. However C-5xe's go for $4k+ used is it's not exactly in your range but is as good as it gets IMHO.
mmike84
309 posts
 
I don't know if your system is up to the task of displaying how much better the C5xe is but take my word for it, it is. I've gone to a modified Transporter and a Music Vault and I think it is better and more functional than even the C-5xe. Not sure if you're up for the change but if not the C-5xe is as good as it gets. With the new upgrade (mp) it went from being the best CDP under $10k (before the upgrade) to one of the best at any price. I think the upgrade is like $200. Very inexpensive.
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