Researching the CD/HDCD Players from China


I have gotten 40 plus responses regarding CD players built in China. However, the more research I've done It appears to me that most CD players and many other audio pieces are made in China or in Japan. I recall back in the early 1960's working as an audio salesman, we not only carried hi end audio equipment, but table radios and certain consoles. I would always steer customers away from anything made in Japan. That was my mindset back then and remained so for some years.

Now it appears that this is the same mindset of many audio buffs regarding anything made in China. Much of my restarch as been trying to find high quality CD players that are built well and can render classical choral and orchestral as well as jazz small and big bands well. In particular it must be able to give me a good presentation of the human voice in song. Plus it must be able to render an wide sound field throwing music outside of the speakers. And there must be sufficient height to the sound field as well. I am also particular about being able to pick out each jazz instrument and/or voice from within the sound field.

I have heard (for short periods)an Original 2008 Mk2, a Shenda SD100S, Doge 6, and a Bada HD23. All of these players produced a very pleasent sound. However, my primary concerned is with "LONGEVITY" and being able to improve on the sound with tube changes, upgrades, etc.

Finally, the reason I've spent time researching these and other CD/HDCD players has to do with funding. I don't have a large amount of $$$ to spend, but still want hi end sound. This may be a foolish notion, but that's what I am looking for. I understand that there are some HDCD CD's now on the market. Has anyone heard any and is the sound quality superior to the redbook CD's? By the way, the rest of my system will consist of the following:
1. Elite Rock turntable with Excalibur arm (Sumiko cart)
2. Audio Research Pre-Amp
3. Threshold S/300 power amp
4. Mirage OM-9 Omni (soon to be upgraded to Mags 1.6)
5. Various Kimber Cables
I have many classical and jazz LP's i've collected over the years especially many from Germany. I may have just as many redbook CD's. I plan to purchase HDCD's if they can present better sound than my redbooks.

Again thank you for your comments because I really need them. I hope to purchase something within the next few weeks depending on what I get in the way of your responses.
rbwinterlink
I am more than pleased with all the responses I've received. I wanted to get as many opinions as I could before going out and doing my own listening. I had taken a hard look at the Cayan and Doge 6 and liked what I saw. The quality seemed to be topnotch and I have read great things about these CD players. And both can be modded in the future to perform at a much higher musical level. As stated earlier my favorite music is large and small scale classical choral works, large and small scale orchestral works and modern jazz vocal and instrumental.

Don't be fooled because I have Audio Research and Threshold. I buy used because I cannot afford to buy new. So, I want the very best CD/HDCD player I can get no matter where it comes from. However, I will not purchase a player directly from China because I want to have access to service if I need it and that means buying from a USA dealership. I am trying to put together the best 2 channel music system I can for limited funds. So far I've done very well based on the very kind advice I've gotten from you and others. Thanks much for sharing with me.
Have you checked with Underwood hifi as they mod players and if there is a problem I believe they don't send them back to China.

Good Luck,
Bob
tvad walk around your house and throw out everything you own that is made in China
talk the talk -walk the walk
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