Review: Meridian 506.20 CD Player

Category: Digital

I listen to mostly jazz and rock/pop recordings with just a hint of classical mixed in. I had been using a mid eighties Denon cd player and had no real complaints but since I had updated all my other equipment I thought I would see what a new player could do for me.

I started with a Roksan Kandy and heard no difference at all. In fact I was surprised at how flimsy the drawer mechanism was.

So I decided it was time to go around to some audio stores and listen. Some players I was able to take home, the only true way to make a comparison, and was actually ashtonished at how much I had to spend in order to make a real improvement over what I was hearing. Therefore I needed
to go the used audio route as I did with my speakers and integated amplifier and I am very happy with the results.

The Meridian 506.20, found for $550 plus shipping, helped in my soundstage with the magnepans, which is what I enjoy most in critical listening, while I was not enthused about the styling that certainly is not the reason to purchase a product. The tracking on this unit was unbelievable, especially on my first few attempts at cd-r's. I am glad I kept these cds around because they made great test discs.

This piece has now been in my system for 6 weeks and I am listening to recordings over again like I have each time I have upgraded my system. Besides the sound and tracking I love the solid build, and the drawer reminded me of my first cd player and NAD with the same type of drawer where the laser unit comes out with the drawer. It reminds me of the first VCR's which had a top loading mechanism but was quickly replaced with the flimsy but popular front loading drawer. Most manufacturers of cd players use a front loading, inferior drawer where the disc is always toching some part of the drawer. I do not paricularly like the large remote though I understand why Meridian does this. But I do wish there was a drawer button on the remote instead of having to touch the unit all the time.

Of course if money was no object I would have researched more expensive units but thats not the reason to purchase something. One needs to find the right piece of equipment for them at the right price. Hell if price were not an object I surely would not be driving a FORD(Fixed Or Repaired Daily).

Associated gear
magnepan mg12
musical fidelity A3
straightwire quartet w/ spades
monster cable interconnects

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