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Best analog sounding cd player under 5K

Hi,

Im looking for a new or used one box player mainly for redbook. My budget could go up to 5K.
I know and have read a lot of threads about cd players but none deals with the analog sounding issue. Also, not everyone like his cd player to sound like his analog set up.
I can define analog, as neutral(good tonal balance), organic, natural, with a lot of low level information retrieval, inmediacy,with very good 3d image, not forward sounding and not analytical. I think the extension at both ends is not a must. Obviously, It cant be dark or too bright sounding.

I have in my short list so far, resolution opus, bluenote sttibert, apl denon 3910, audio aero capitole mkII, ayre Cx5.
For the reviews and comments on several forums it seems that the most organic and natural sounding is the Stibbert. How does it compare with the others? And also what other should be included in this list?
Thanks
Alan Brain
alanbrain
rja's avatar
rja
2,356 posts
 
I have not heard it but the EAR Acute CDP seems like it might be worth investigation. HP has written about it in TAS and Robert Levy gave it a great review in Positive Feedback (issue 27). Price is in upper range of your budget but as high end CDPs go seems reasonable.
alanbrain OP
69 posts
 
Hi
Thanks for all the info.
That melody cd player sounds interesting. Where can I find a picture?
or What is the website adress? I cant find it.
Thanks
Alan Brain
styx
37 posts
 
McIntosh MCD201.
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
hi alan:

the website is melodyhifi.com .

i will getting this player later this week.

there seems to be a lot of interest in this player.

i'll keep you posted.
bartokfan
664 posts
 
Alan google Melody hi m10, separate the words "hi" and "m10". You'll find the link to melody gear. ...For what its worth...I just got a PM from a member in HK who has heard the Melody cdp at the HK audio show and at his home. Good player for around $1500. However he did go on to say that the Melody has a "bigger sound stage, deeper bass, but the instruments are less well defined within the soundstage, and lacks the see through quality of the Cayin.....Melody has a rounded sound...the leading edge is not as well defined as the Cayin". This guy has a very fine articulation on his commenst, and seems to have a quick "audiophile ear". So what I gather is the Melody is "warmer" and is not what I'm looking for.My ideal is defining/separation of the fq's. A fine unit none the less, and should be considered by the author in his quest for a cdp. As some prefer the 'warmer"(forward) sound in their equipment.
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