The Onix XCD-99 is essentially the same player as the XCD-88 with a few minor improvements. I own an XCD-88 and I am very pleased with the performance. I am a former vinyl guy who owned a Linn Sondek LP-12 Valhalla table, Linn Ittok LVII tonearm and Grado Signature cartridge. Although, the Onix XCD-88 cannot match the Linn table-tonearm combination in terms of "hi fi audio" quality, I get as much musical satisfaction from playing CDs on the Onix XCD-88. With a minor DIY op amp upgrade or a full blown modification from Underwood Hi Fi, you really can't go wrong with the price of this player for starters. If the XCD-99 is as solidly constructed as the XCD-88, and I wouldn't expect anything less, you would be very pleased with this.
Unlike Rtilbury, I prefer the Onix XCD-88 to the Arcam players I auditioned. Just my $0.02.
Unlike Rtilbury, I prefer the Onix XCD-88 to the Arcam players I auditioned. Just my $0.02.