Neodio NR22 Cd player - thoughts?

Hi SoMusic,

I have spoken to a number of people about this one in my own search. i have not heard it. FWIW, you may wish to check out audioexotics.hk, a Hong Kong based site where the guys do tend to gravitate towards the same taste/equipment...so there is something there for you to consider...but in any event, they have a long series of threads about digital and some dedicated to the Neodio.

In sum, they all feel it is a very good player that is up there with the SOTA.

OTOH, i have also spoken with 2 very respected members of WBForum and neither was particularly impressed with it.

Finally, i have spoken with 2 people from Audioexotics off the record who did say it is excellent...but one is selling having found better, and the other encouraged me to look at another unit (which concidentally was the same one as the seller of the neodio actually bought).
i believe it was stahl-tek opus.

wish i could be more helpful, but i have not found a place to hear it for myself which in the end is what really matters. this is just the research i was able to gather on my own and just sharing it. good luck and pls post if you audition it.

SOMusic, have you checked out audioexotics.hk? they have a full thread dedicated to Neodio. Let me know what you think if you get a chance to read.

2 people who heard it knew the system in which it was playing and felt it sounded flat/dull. These are people who love analog. i was extremely surprised to hear this, and these are people whose ears i think i know based on their numerous comments about other systems.

it was a slight shock to me to hear two such negative comments (off-line) about something so praised. Given how difficult it is to hear one, that made me less enthusiastic about trying to find some way to hear it. i woudl still like to and will let you know if i do.

i have heard the original Stahl-Tek and have spoken with Mike Stahl who is extremely helpful. It is excellent with detail and decay to match the DCS SCarlatti...but with a tonality/engaging quality that i much preferred. Still not enough to tempt me...but i have yet to hear 2 subsequent generations of Stahl-Tek.

Himiguel,

I found the Stahl-Tek Vekian to have separation and soundstaging detail the equal of which i have not heard before. It was incredibly enjoyable to listen to different elements of an orchestral ensemble with such ease...and to be able to listen to each set of instruments playing a contrapuntal element in contrast with another element of the ensemble...and to be able to do it all so effortlessly.

SpiritoMusic...sounds like you've got great options...great options. I also will agree Transport is very important. I have auditioned transports a little bit, and the changes were dramatic. Another point for Neodio as they have both the 1-piece as well as the 2-piece.

SpiritofMusic,

You might also speak with Wilson or Lamm...both of whom have shown their products with Neodio at various shows. If you ask diplomatic questions...they often can provide off-the-record, diplomatic answers that help guide you. i have done this before and it has been quite elucidating.

BTW, i have always kept my eye on STahl-Tek and Zanden, but i have been encouraged to consider opening up a third lane in the race, for TAD D600. Superbly analogue, well engineering, SACD/CD and useable as DAC with digital inputs as well. half the cost of Stahl-Tek though still extraordinarily expensive. I am doing my homework as speaking with people now. though i would pass along and share that one...if you know anything about TAD D600, pls let me know. good luck!

Nice pun!

SOMusic,

You may wish to try the HRS damping plate on top of the CD player, or the Artesania damping plate. Both are excellent. I have tried them on Coplan, ARC CD players, ARC preamp, as well as my own Zanden DAC and CJ preamp. They both work really well.