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Suggestions for New CD Player

I'm looking for a new CD player, modestly priced under $1,500, that will  work well with a 2-channel system featuring B&W 804S floorstanders, a McIntosh MC402 power amp, and a Magnum Dynalab MD208 receiver used as a preamp.

My wife and I mostly listen to classical music, and have an extensive CD collection, particularly heavy in orchestral (e.g., Mahler, Beethoven) and opera (Wagner, Verdi) and piano/violin.  (My wife is a Julliard-trained musician.)   Pre-pandemic, we were frequent concert-goers, preferring about rows 8-15.  We also rock out on occasion. We appreciate fine equipment, but we're music-lovers rather than true audiophiles.

We previously had a Consonance Droplet CD player (tubed, nice sound quality, when it worked, which wasn't often enough) and a Lexicon RT-20 (a little harsh, and wouldn't play many discs).  I won't buy a used player.  In my experience, CD mechanisms are the most fragile of all components.

I realize I'm asking a lot at this price point, but life itself is compromise.  Don't really care about wireless capability or digital files.  SACD is nice, but redbook capability is what really matters to us.  Considering Cambridge Audio 851, Rega Apollo, but open to suggestions.

Your thoughts?






gg107

Showing 1 response by noske

noske
783 posts
 
Given that you wish for a new CD player, you will have some difficulty finding one with the TDA 1541 chips in them.  They have been out of production for a long time - 25 years?

You mentioned the Rega Apollo.  They are a tremendous player and comfortably within your budget (I think).  I have the stupidly expensive  Rega Saturn, but quite honestly any difference in sonics is marginal at best and psychological at worst. 

The most recent Apollo has the Wolfson WM8742 DAC.  Its a touch of magic.  Make sure that whatever you get has this chip.
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