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Suggestions for CD player $2-3k used?

I am looking for a CD player/source in the $2-3k range, used. primarily for Redbook CD playback. Other equipment consists of Aerial 9, McCormack DNA500 and VTL 5.5. I like players that have a coherent, natural sounding presentation and do not overemphasize any portion of the frequency spectrum. I do however like players that offer deep, detailed bass and lively dynamics, although I would prefer to stay away from players with on overly up-front or "in your face" presentation, and those that overemphasize the upper frequency range. Players I have considered include;
Meridian G08 (good reviews, like the looks but hate the remote)
Cary 303-300
Ayre CX7e (overly tipped up toward the high frequencies?)
Modded Sony or Denon players - Modwright?
Electrocompaniet EMC-1Up/mkll (does this compete with newer units?)
McCormack UDP-1 Deluxe
Resolution Audio Opus 21 (is this unit dynamic and detailed?)
Sim Audio Eclipse (older technology?)
and lower priced players;
Classe CDP-10 (could be a bargin?)
Sim Audio CD 5.3 (can't find out too much other than from mfg's website)
Any further insight on my choices, or other suggestions would be appreciated.
mitch2
bblilikoi's avatar
bblilikoi
99 posts
 
Over the course of four months this past spring, I auditioned some of the players on your list and bought the Cary 303/300, which continues to please me, though I think others are very good as well--BAT VK-D5, McCormack UDP-1 Deluxe, and Lector 7T. I have not heard the Resolution Audio Opus 21 or Meridian players.

I thought the Simaudio players were a bit etched for my taste in music (pretty much just classical and opera), though they may be fine for jazz, rock, pop, acoustic folk, etc.

I thought the Ayre C7Xe too "filtered" for my taste, suppressing the natural bloom of my Cary SLI-80 amp. I felt the same with the C5Xe as well. Not organic or lively enough for the music I play.

Electrocompaniet could be very, very good, depending on your system and taste in music. I liked it, though it seemed more laid back than the Cary 303/300.

There are a lot of used Cary 303/300 on A'gon right now for terrific prices--$2,000-$2,400. I bought mine new and these prices seem astonishingly low.

Used BAT VK-D5 also available. It's harmonically richer, to my ear, than the Cary 303/300. Both have balanced outs.

Good luck.
danlib1
819 posts
 
Here's a vote for an Exemplar modded Denon. Great Redbook.
rodman99999
6,030 posts
 
I get to listen to a lot of live music(acoustic and amplified) as a sound tech. I've been using a BAT VK-D5 for the last two years. I've found it a VERY musical/accurate player. It provides everything in the way of resolution/imaging/ambience info/pace/extention(bottom and top) that the rest of my system can convey. I've been bi-amping since 1980, and it has delivered the cleanest bottom of any source I've used. No problems telling the kick from the double bass, and great pitch articulation(providing the recording is good). It's the only piece in my system that I haven't had to mod. The only tweaks necessary: Isolation from vibration is essential(as with any other player), and find some NOS Siemens CCa's from the 60's for it. It also puts out over 2V at the balanced outs, which will drive most amps w/o a pre. I used it with a Placette Passive Linestage for awhile and OH, the transparency!
tboooe's avatar
tboooe
1,009 posts
 
I second the vote for the Cary 303/300. I had this and recently upgraded to the 306. If you like the Cary house sound (warm, organic midrange) go for the Cary.
hartwerger
105 posts
 
coherent, natural sounding presentation and do not overemphasize any portion of the frequency spectrum -- I would say the Musical Fidelity A5 (not on your list obviously) fits this description. Very neutral and exceptionally balanced across the frequency spectrum. Offers deep clean bass as you also request, but I would not say the bass is excetionally prominent; if you like gut pounding bass, this is not the player for you. Clean dynamics. Oddly, it does not have the warmth you would expect from a tubed CD player; I wouldn't say its cold or clinical, but its not warm like many tube players I've heard. Although the A5 has gotten good reviews from the press, the audio forums have had more cautious comments; some really like it, some are indifferent. If you're looking for a natural, well balanced and musical player, the A5 warrants serious consideration. I have one and like it quite a bit, but do see how it would not be everyone's cup of tea. Hope that helps.
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