OK, we've seen much input on the best cdp for the money. Now how about we collect opinions on the worst value cdp's out there? You know, like a $3000 player that sounds like a $300 player.
You know, the bludgeoning thing sounds like it would be really good for your mental health. If I didn't have so much money tied up in my toys, I'd probably take great pleasure in beating the bejesus out of at least a couple of 'em ;)
Incredible, Elizabeth! If you listened for 10 hours every day, that would equate to about 27.37 years of play. That's pretty good reliability. Sure you weren't counting in dog hours?
Elizabeth, how do you find the time to listen to your CDP for 100,000 hours? 100,000 hours for a CDP is great in my book. My last Sony lasted 40 hours before it started to develop problems. Amusing reading, your post:)
I've heard A LOT of players over the years, and probably thirty or more over the past two years. Some I really enjoyed, while others just didn't do it for me. But not a single one fit the description of "$3K player that sounds like a $300 player." Sorry to disappoint, but that's just my opinion.
Linn Genki. Never heard it myself. Corresponded with a former reviewer at Soundstage who was to have reviewed the Linn CDP.
He said it was a real POS. Sounded like a circa 1985 player. He let the editor of Soundstage hear the player and he agreed and they scraped the review.
I'm not sure that what I'll be saying here is what I perceive to be the worst player for the money, but rather the least value for the price that I auditioned when I ugraded my digital components. Based on previous responses I will add a disclaimer that this is my opinion only as an amatuer critic and based on home listening tests. For those interested the pertinent system components that used to home audition the CDPs were:
Cary V12i Cary SLP-98L Spendor 1/2e (on Sound Anchor stands) Chang Lightspeed 6600 (amp) PS Audio P300 Power Plant (sources, but switched all CDPs tested back and forth between the PS Audio and Chang) Nordost Red Dawn RCA interconnects Wire World Silver Electra 5 PC (amp) Electra Glide PC (preamp) XLO Reference (speaker) An array of PCs to test each CDP (all burned in)
CDPs tested: Jolida JD-100, SimAudio Moon Equinox, and Naim CD5x (using the Chord DIN to RCA and without flatcap).
Of these the CDP that I thought had the least value for the price was the Naim CD5x. I had heard a lot about Naim and the sound it produced from many people but just could not hear it in my set-up. Not that it sounded poor, but for the money ($3k) it sounded less musical than the Sim at $2250 and was slightly embarrassed by the Jolida which is under $1k. I don't think I would have paid more than $1500 for the Naim and that would include twisting my arm. I was very unimpressed considering the hype. However, I will add another opinion and that is I feel Naim gear belongs with other Naim gear. I don't feel Naim gear sounds as good as separates.
All this being said some of you may be curious which CDP I selected. The answer is none of them. I was also conducting a simultaneous test with separate transports and DACs and decided to go that route. Had I decided to go the CDP route the Sim most likely would have won out.
Hmmmm..... What's up with some of you guys? Many of these threads contain opiniated comparisons between different components. When a user gives an opinion on which component is better over another, one particular component always receives a negative recommendation. So, does this mean that all threads asking which component people prefer over another should be closed? I don't think so, as this would eliminate one of the main reasons many of us use these message boards. To ask opinions.
The purpose of this thread was to allow users to stress their opinions on a particular subject. It seems when someone thinks they have found a "holy grail" component, they are allowed to get on the web and tell the world how great it is, and there's nothing wrong about this. But, when someone finds a poor value component, shouldn't they also be allowed to spread the word, as well. Look at how many ads we see on A'gon stating things like "The best player under $2000". This is an attack on ALL other players under $2000. Maybe these ads should get yanked, as well.
Everyone in this hobby should know that perception of sound quality is very subjective, and also system dependent. User's opinions should be taken as a general guideline, and not a definitive answer. One man's trash is another man's treasure.
This thread asked for opinions on one subject, so please stick to the subject. If you don't like the thread, then just pass it by.
I disagree this thread should be closed. These forums include constant harping on how the audio magazines only provide positive reviews because of advertisor money, and how the cost of audio equipment has gotten out of control. We also read advertisements declaring "you would have to spend 5 times as much to achieve the performance level of their new cd/amp/dac/etc." So, why shouldn't people on this forum have an opportunity to provide their opinons of equipment that doesn't measure up for the money. Isn't one of the reasons we have these forums to share experiences and opinions? If someone believes certain equipment is not worth the money, I am interested to hear what and why. I don't believe the initial thread post was excessively negative, and assuming the posts stay away from personal attacks and gross generalizations about manufacturers, there may be some interesting information discussed.
I am curious to know what the rest of your systems are(interconnects, Powercords, speakers, Amp, Pre, etc). Keep in mind when comparing cd players - your performance will be limited to the weakest components/interconnects in your system. If a $3000 cdp sounds like the $300, then you have a weak link somewhere preventing you from gaining the benefit of a higher resolution player.
Judy426, just an observation as to the probable end of this thread.
And there is nothing "positive" that I see about this thread anyway, as Timrhu stated. If a Bose system gives someone enjoyment, and fulfills his audio needs...it's not a piece of junk to HIM! There are two highly regarded speakers (no names!) that always seem to generate great reviews and praise. Having heard them at 3 consecutive CES, I feel that they are vast underachievers. I'm not about to insult the listeners who enjoy them, or the manufacturers who put their pride and hard work into building them.
The worst CD player I bought was a CEC at a yard sale here in town. I paid $30 for it! I was so proud,I felt like I had struck gold. It sounded very good to my ears! I wanted to do some google research on it so I looked closely at it to get the model number on the player.In doing so, I noticed it was not CEC but NEC!! It went from sounding very good to horrible. Worst $30 I ever spent :~) By the way...I was a newbie then..
I took home for a weekend audtion the reference, top of the line Naim CDP that sells for $13000.00. The audtion lasted one and a half days because I and my girlfriend found it's sound so annoying and unpleasant we could not take it any more! No, it was not broke and was fully broken in and warmed up. So, it just was not bad, but a "bad joke" for 13 grand. Sorry Naim owners, no offense, I just don't get the virtues other's hear in Naim gear.
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