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Vinyl guy seeking recommendation for a top level cd player

I know cds are dead.  Best time to buy a cd player, the way it looks.  I want an all in one box.  I don't stream so a separate DAC is not required.  Most of my cd collection have been ripped to a PC as Flac files and then down loaded to a Sony HAP-Z1ES.  Currently about 3000 Redbook and perhaps 100 SACDs.  The way cds are being dumped I figure on becoming a buyer again so these numbers will go up.  I have looked at Marantz SA10, Esoteric K1 (lightly used), and Luxman D-10X, so far.  It would be good if the sound could approach vinyl.  The Z1 does up to a point.  Listening this morning to the same recordings, the Z1 compares to a high end MM cartridge, but not to a SoundSmith Experion.  Maybe I am asking too much, but in any event a new cd player is being sought.  Thanks in advance for any advice.
Bill
billstevenson
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
op

don’t think you will do much wrong with the 15k brand new luxman cdp - no doubt a quality piece, certainly easy on the eyes and to the touch, and built to last

the what hifi review calls out the sound as being perhaps a little sharp... that is consistent with what i have heard out their recent upper line solid state amps - very refined but nonetheless a lively treble, erring on the side of transparency and speed, rather than warmth and saturation

hope the sound of the unit synergizes with the rest of your system -- please do come back let us know how it works out
jafant
18,946 posts
 
billstevenson

Nice choice! Keep this thread updated as you massage Luxman D10x into your room and system. Very fine gear in Conrad Johnson.

Happy Listening!
marquess
3 posts
 
Hello;

I am also an analog guy, but I own a very musical and pleasant CD player:
the Rega Saturn-R which I strongly recommend.

if you want to go more High End, go for their top range and try the Rega Isis or the Rega Isis Valve CD players.

they are more expensive than my Saturn-R but still thousands of euros less expensive than many “Hihg End” CD players and they play better (the closest approach to a top vinyl system).

check the link:

http://https//www.rega.co.uk/products/valve-isis
tonywinga's avatar
tonywinga
844 posts
 
We have some on this forum that live by specifications.  Since most all CD players have pretty much identical specs, just buy the cheapest CD player you can find and it will sound better than vinyl- by their logic.  Of course, most of us know better...
jg2077
159 posts
 
Esoteric K1 Grandioso. 
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