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Primare CD31 with 1704 chip

Hi

I'm attempting to purchase a moderately priced redbook cd player. ($2-3k)

Especially after reading the Lessloss website's manifesto it seems as if the 1704 chip is a real winner. Ofcourse I understand that total design of a cd player is the most important aspect. However, I also "think" the dac chip is tantamount to the overall success of the design.

I recently tripped over the Primare CD31 and it has the 1704 chip. The specs seem to be ok.

Does anyone have experience with the CD31 or can someone enlighten me regarding how important the dac chip really is?

Thanks

jackiejr
jackiejr

Showing 1 response by twoleftears

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,320 posts
 
Have you considered the Bryston BCD-1? IMHO it's the leader in the price range you specified.

I listened to the CD31 and thought it very good. Very listenable over the long term. Similar feelings about the Naim CD5x. But--admittedly in another system--I prefered the Cambridge 840c to both of those (more air), and then the Bryston to the Cambridge. Bryston=more robust, and a (cliche alert!) veil being lifted.

More than the differences between chips, I'm coming to the conclusion that the (certainly a) crucial element for CD players is how the analog output stages are handled, after all the decoding, and in this the Bryston is second to none.
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