Which is the best cd player under $10k?


I am trying to find the best cd player under $10k (new or used) either a current or recent offering which has a warm, vinyl-like sound, wonderful holographic imagining, large soundstage, nice details & beautiful tonality without being hyper detailed, etched and which avoids the two extremes; cold and analytical to too warm and syrupy?

Choices so far have been Accuphase dp-500, Audio Research cd-8 (but lacks up to the minute digital inputs), Playback Designs MPS-5, EAR Acute & Luxman DU-80. Given the many choices, i'm pulling my hair out. Let me know your thoughts!
melbguy1

Showing 1 response by bjpd57a1

Not that I am in to "mine is better, than yours",

but, the Marantz SA11S-2 with the Level 2 Modifications
by Underwood Mods. I own, is really something
extra special from Japan.

Walter did NOT lie to me, when he said that this player
would hold it's own, with players from $10k.

Cary, Esoteric, both have a more "Digital" presentation.

This Marantz really plays like a "Master Tape Unit"

The warmth, with the dynamics, makes the whole experience

so much more rich.

Of course, the proper cords ALL around, make a HUGE

difference, once you get it ALL right, it is WELL,

worth the effort.

Redbook CD's play like the Best in SACD!

Thus is a REAL treat since, this is the main source,

of my music library.

What this Marantz does to some of the less than perfect
recordings, let's just say, WOW!

IMHO, YES, it sounds THAT good.

I LOVE MY MUSIC!

Thankful I am.