Which is the best CD-Player up to $ 10k ?

If looking for a redbook only player, I would try out a AMR CD-77 or the ARC CD-7. However, if you are interested in SACD's, as I would be, I would check out the Audio Aero Prestige, though the AA transport issues would concern me at this amount of $$$. The Marantz SA-7S1 also deserves serious consideration at this price level.

Cheers,
John

08-05-08: Argyro
If you like a soft, pleasing sound, with more body that what was recorded go for the AMR. If you like to hear what is exactly written on the cd (WITHOUT BEING HARSH) go for the EMM LABS CDSA.

You may want to write IMHO (In My Humble Opinion) after a statement like that Michael. I've heard the EMM Labs CDSA, and IMHO it is harsh. I'm not saying it isn't accurate, as digital is a format prone to harshness, that's why I prefer analog.

However, whether one chooses a smoother sounding CDP (AMR) and uses more revealing cables (Nordost, Stealth, etc) and/or speakers (Wilson) or one uses a more revealing CDP (EMM Labs) while using cables/speakers to smooth out the sound (PAD/Verity) is up to that individual.

There are many ways to accomplish good sound.

Cheers,
John

Cincy_bob, what Argyro is saying is that it is best to have a very revealing source, and then you mask it downstream with cables, speakers, amps, et al.

As I said before, there are many ways to accomplish good sound.

Some, like Argyro, prefer a true source and 'smoothing' cables and/or speakers. Others may choose more 'true' speakers and cables, but want a more 'smoothing' CDP.

Bottom line is we all are seeking the same grail, but have different means of approaching it.

Cheers,
John

08-05-08: Cincy_bob
John, I understand your point, and I don't disagree. The only thing I might add is that I do think it is possible to put together an audio system that is faithful to the sound of live music and that does not require any of the components to do any "smoothing" per se. The notion that an audio system needs to have something in the chain to achieve some masking or smoothing of the sound implies that there is something inherently unmusical, unnatural or flawed with the recording/mastering/pressing process or the software format itself.

You are correct Cincy_bob, however, IMHO the digital format IS basically flawed. FWIW, I see that you are using Jena Labs cables and darTZeel amplification, which are wonderful components, but many would consider "smoothing".

What one may consider "accurate" another may consider "bright" or "smoothing" depending on the ancillary equipment. For example, Jena Labs Valkyre were my reference cables until I purchased my reference speakers, Verity Audio Parsifal Encore's. At that point the Valkyre's sounded too warm and lifeless. The Verity's are notoriously warm speakers, so combining them with warm cables was a no-no. Silversmith cables added much more life and "accuracy".

The bottom line is that most of us use "smoothing" components/cables at some point in the chain, especially when digital is the primary source. When someone calls their single component/cable "accurate", it's usually because it mates well with their other "not so accurate" components/cables.

Cheers,
John