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question about "lower" priced CD players/DACs

I have a PS Audio D-Link III DAC fed from an old California Audio Labs Icon MK II CD player and I'm pretty happy with the sound. But seeing the reviews of and the popularity of the Oppo BDP-95 and the Audiolabs CD8200CD players, I find myself wondering (like most of us), "if I upgrade to the 'xyz' player will I get a lot better sound?".

I've seen reviews by American reviewers that claim both these units "punches several times above its class", "best player under $5000 (U.S.)", etc. but I honestly think that's a lot of hype and probably more than a little of the stuff that comes out of the back of horse :) .

So what do you all think? Are these two Cd players (or any CD players in this price range) truly standouts like the hype suggests, or are they all similarly capable and it comes down to preference in presentation rather than huge differences in sound quality?
timoteo
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
As far as I know...cd is still 16/44 and has been since its conception... there have been no quantum leaps...you have a dedicated player by a very well respected audio brand...I wouldnt sweat it...
richardfinegold
196 posts
 
I have the D-LinkIII. I've enjoyed it for years, but I'm beginning to tire of it's aggressive, in-your-face sound, although it can be wonderfully detailed. This became really noticeable after I added another Digital Player (Denon DCD A-100) in the same system. The D Link tends to sound similar regardless of what transport I use, so I don't think that changing the CD player will get you much.
I have 2 suggestions that haven't yet been offered. The first is to get a good CD player with digital inputs--basically a DAC that spins discs. There are some great finds in the $500 range.
The second is more off the wall but would suit your budget well. Get an old Pioneer CD/SACD/DVD-A player, circa 2005, going for about $150, that has an "i link" and a matching receiver for about $300. These were FireWire connections, and you won't believe how good they sound together, either in 2 or multi channel.
timoteo OP
21 posts
 
Richardfinegold, I am stunned to hear that the DLIII is "aggressive and in your face" on your system!!!

With my Magneplanars, the DLIII seems quite mellow. I remember when I bought my Maggie's I listen to some nice Thiel speakers too. They impressed me at first, being lively, bright, and forward. After awhile though, they started to grate some and I kept having to turn down the volume. After listening to the Maggies for awhile I grew to really like their less aggressive sound. I remember liking the Vandersteens during my listening then too.
I assume that the Maggie's are a big reason for why I find the DLIII so nice in my system. My Adcom eqiuipment does not have a reputation for being laid back.

I always thought that what I'm hearing with my DLIII is how everyone heard. I had no idea it could sound aggressive and forward! It seems pretty relaxed in my system.

I don't understand your comment about getting a CD player with digital inputs. I understand why I would want digital outputs - so I could change DACs over the years, but what would digital inputs to the CD player allow me to do? For streaming music through the player's DAC perhaps?
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