Music Hall CD-25.5 vs CD-25 w/mods??

Mapleleafs's quote: "WHATS YOUR MAX BUDGET?"

I would have to say between $400 and $500, possibly 600 if it was something I just couldn't resist.. Money is quite tight these days with 3 teenage girls :).

I hear what your saying Nealhood, I would think the newer the model the better components and tweaks in it would be. For example a New NAD C-542 improved over the C-541i. In my case I would think a NAD C542, Stock CD-25.2 or Onix xcd-99 all in my price range should blow my 15 year old Yamaha CDX-710 away, right? Which was not a cheap player back then..

Milpai's post
"NAD C542 + Signal Cable Power Cord should take care of your requirements"

The NAD's power cord isn't detachable? I would think altering their power cord will void the warranty.. correct?

"Mapleleafs3
Look for a used naim player." .

I've read about the Naim players, seems like an awesome players but even used it's out of my league :( ..

Milpai, the power cord is not detachable... Below is the link to the C542's Owners Manual, page 3 shows the rear of the unit .

http://207.228.230.231/manual/NAD-C542.pdf

I received a e-mail giving me the lowdown on the Music Hall CD-25 and CD-25.2. The 25.2 uses a new transport as well as a 24 bit/192K DAC versus the 24 bit/ 96K DAC of the CD-25. The new 192K DAC's do not support HDCD. The not supporting HDCD kind of threw me, why would a newer version of this player not support HDCD?? Is it a non issue or is HDCD going to go the way of the Beta videotape?? Also found out the Onix X-CD99 is the older CD-25 with nicer cosmetics and a better subchassis. The guys at Underwood were great, very fast response.. I was impressed.. The non HDCD has me backpeddling a bit..

Seditious3 so your saying HDCD isn't going to become mainstream for future CD release? Funny thing happened tonight though, I went to Audiogon's classified and there was this NAD C542 that's been up for auction and there was only an hour left so I decided for the price I would buy it and if I didn't like it I could always sell it and go another route. Problem is I couldn't get to it to put a bid in, tried for an hour straight but both my IE6 and Firfox browers timed out before letting me into the listing.. I could get in and view to bid any other listing but just not the one for the NAD C542... Maybe an omen lol.. worse part is I wonder of others were having the same problem and the seller lost chances to sell if for an higher price(listing site listed below).. anyone else ever see this happen?? Although it was an impulse on my part, I could buy one brand new for $60 more new and delivered.. Just very strange.. and so the decision making goes on//

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/auc.pl?dgtlplay&1139019401&auc&3&4&

A Onix Rocket UFW-10 Sub lol.. I needed both a CD Player and a new sub. I haven't been able to decide on a CD player yet, just got the sub friday and haven't had time to really set it up with my system yet but will work on it the next few days.. Still in the CD Player hunt though.. just having a hard time deciding.. I think I've narrowed down to:

With HDCD
Music Hall CD-25 w/mods
NAD C542
Rotel RCD-1072

Without HDCD
Music Hall 25.2
Arcam Diva C-73
Cambridge Azur 640

"02-21-06: Seditious3
My choice was narrowed to the Rotel and the Music Hall also. I chose the Music Hall because I got it with mods (secondhand) for $500."
Ditto Seditious,
I also just bought a Music Hall CD-25 w/Level 1+ mods, it has best of both worlds, HDCD plus it has the mods that brings this player up to a great player. Not to mention even if I find it isn't a "fit" with my system(which I highly doubt will happen, been happy with this ole 13 yr old Yamaha CD player and this MH should sound be a HUGE improvement) the CD 25 w/mods sells within hours here, seems to be a hotter item then the 25.2.. Thanks to all for your help and guidance here, it is GREATLY appreciated! Paul T