2. digital
  3. 127401-90127

Decided to change my cd player, suggestions please?

Ok so I guess this is as much a change just for the sake of change, lol, as tbh I am pretty happy with my setup but it has been the same equipment for the last 3 years so just what the heck, lets fiddle.....

So present equipment is:
Krell KAV250A
Acoustic Research LS2
Krell s-350
Usher cp-6381

Now i listen nearly exclusively to rock, mostly modern rock like Avenged sevenfold, stained, shinedown, saving abel, halestorm etc etc. Some more classic rock if I am feeling mellow.
I do not believe anything much else will ever grace my systems

I fully realize I may take a step backward or two but if there are far more expensive players out there there may be one that suits my ears better.

Budget is up to $4k used or new

Any good suggestions please.
128x128uberwaltz
jafant
18,946 posts
 
Keep us posted- uberwaltz
jafant
18,946 posts
 
Happy Listening!
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
so the esoteric arrived this morning, hooked it up through my ar ls2 and listened to pat benatar.
best i can describe is that higher volume levels it holds together much better, more cohesive, much more slam for want of a better word and the highs are not as harsh as the krell was by far.
at moderate levels there is probably not a lot between them although still more noticeable bass on drums etc but as volume is increased the esoteric definitely holds its composure much better.
I then tried running direct to my power amp but i ran out of gain on the internal esoteric volume way too early...lol. Yes I like my music loud or at least the option to like it loud! Now I will say that at lower levels I think I did prefer the sound direct to the poweramp, it appeared more full bodied and possibly even better sound staging so now maybe I have to look for a better preamp as well, you know how that goes......
goose
673 posts
 

Picked up my new ModWright Marantz 8005 today.  Initial listening impressions when compared to the ModWright Sony ES5400 are as follows:  There is more air, definition and resolution.  The center image is more forward and open.  In general it allows you to get into the music more.  This is with the stock tubes so my next change will involve the tubes.  The 5400 is a fine player, this one is just better IMO.


Randy

dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
Good to know Randy. Please let me know which tubes give you the best results (and which did not). Have you tried the Philips 5R4GYS rectifier tube from upscale audio? I found it to be excellent in my MW 9.9 power supply.

Best to you Randy,
Dave 
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