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What is the best CD player direct into one's amp?

Since I don't listen to FM (poor reception) and seldom use my vinyl (too noisy), what red book player has the best analogue volume section and sound for direct connection to my Threshold 4000 class A amp? I am looking for something in the $1000-2000 range on audiogon. The other possibility is to slightly warm up and expand the soundstage of my maggie 1.6 system with a tube preamp and continue using my very musical McCormack DAC-1 deluxe. Thanks
55dok

Showing 2 responses by grannyring

grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,441 posts
 
I have owned the Prima, Resolution Audio Opus 21, Quad,Consonance 2.2 Ref and the Muse Thalia. The Muse was the best by a good margin. Hard to find used with the volume option. It was almost as good a an Audio Aero Capitole Sig that I A/B'd with it. Very close indeed.

Very few know how food this CD/DVD player is. The Resolution Audio is also great, but costs $2500 used.

Bill
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,441 posts
 
The 308T is also very good as I had this player. I agreee with Reubent on this. I also owned the Quad I found it to be one of the biggest disappointments I have had in audio.

I so agree with Reubent on the Opus and Cary and am not sure why we are on the opposite extremes on the Quad. I found the Quad very electronic sounding. Not musical at all and rather lifeless. System matching my be an issue, I don't know. I found the preamp section paired with the player even worse yet.

Love to hear other comments on their experience with the Quad. Mine was the 2nd generation model as an FYI.

Bill
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