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Neither laid-back nor refined.



I'm looking for a used CD player to pair with a Jolida JS-1501RC Hybrid integrated amp. I like the midrange and bass of the hybrid, and the fact that the tube character isn't overpowering. Now, in my price range used are the following:

Music Hall CD 25
Arcam cd 62
Rotel RCD-971
Rega Planet (Original)
NAD c541i or c521i.

I do not want a laid back player--combined with a liquid tube sound, I don't think I'd be happy. I like a little drive and excitement out of my CDs. Moreover, I listen to lots of "substandard" recordings: lo-fi indie rock, mono reissues of Jazz and Blues as well as early Jamaican music. I'd like something a little bit forgiving of these kinds of things. Can anyone comment on this?
tutordennis
3 responses Add your response
distortion
571 posts
 
I hace the RCD-971 in my system currently.

I wouldnt call it laid back, but, it certainly doesnt have the dynamics of my older Theta DAC. I prefer the DAC to the Rotel on almost every type of music.

However I found the Rotel Better/equal to many players in the $700.00 retail range.

I agree the Rega may be too laid back for you.

The Rotel tracks like a champ, and plays CDRs as well.

Good luck.
mwilson
430 posts
 
You won't want the Rega Planet then, it's famously laid back (though I love my Planet 2000 for just this reason). Music Hall CD25 would be a great fit, but like Kotta says, customer service is after the sale can also be important. Incidentally, that was why I sold my Music Hall in the first place (I experienced poor customer service.) You may also like the NAD very much - I've been impressed with their lively sound. See if you can arrange to listen to as many as you can from your list, as a start.
kotta's avatar
kotta
649 posts
 
I would also add these things to my list to consider when buying a CDP. Namely, (1)How well does it track (and prevent skipping) (2) Will it play a CDR,(3) Customer service after the sale,(4)warranty(if buying new). I've only heard the older NAD/Rotel CDP's. My feeling would be go w/ the Arcam.(Lots of older 7SE'S on the market.) The Arcam distributor has excellent customer sevice BTW. Good luck on your quest.
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