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My Last CD player, need ideas

In the market for what will probably be my last CD player.

Music servers have come a long way in the last 5 years and I can see going that route in the next few years. My ongoing experiences with ripping music to Itunes for portable use though have made it clear that I do not have the time or patience at the moment to rip my entire cd collection. Over 2000 cds with lots of esoteric discs that do not come up with track names let alone artwork.

Currently I am using a modwright solid state modded Oppo 83-SE universal player with XLR balanced outs to an aesthetix calypso pre amp to Simaudio W-6 monos to Totem Wind speakers.

Overall I have been very happy with the OPPO and its ESS DAC for Cd, SACD, and DVDs but recently have been annoyed by the fan noise when listening to music during quiet portions and I have found I miss upsampling on quite a few of my cds.

So I'm looking for ideas for a last CD player as I have not kept up with what's available. For general system matching with my tubed pre amp I do not need an overtly warm player but would like to have a touch more PRaT than I currently get with my OPPO.

Price: Under $3000 Prefer under $2000

Needed features: True Balanced outputs; digital inputs (Coax and optical); CD upsampling

Desired features: HDCD; CD-text; MP filter; USB input

What players should I be looking at?

Thanks!
nikturner920

Showing 1 response by teajay

teajay
1,655 posts
 
Hi Nikturner920,

Take a look at my review on the website hometheaterreview.com on the North Star Design USB DAC32 which retails for $3000.00, but can be obtained for around $1500.00. It's companion transport is excellent also and both pieces would still fit into your budget. Clement Perry owner and head reviewer for the website Stereo Times gave both pieces his product of the 2011 year award based on what he heard when he reviewed them.

My review is located on the bottom of the title page under the section titled quick short reviews. This combo would fulfill what you are looking for and as I state in my review it competes with digital front ends up to 8K in performance in my opinion.
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