Current Universal Players


Hey folks-  Does anyone know if there are any high end universal players being made anymore (i.e. EMM Labs, DCS, Esoteric, etc. etc)?  I know it's no longer in vogue but I would like to be able to play cd's, sacd's, dvd-a's and hdcd's.  I'm sure  that's asking a lot but there it is.  I've seen players that are 15-18 years old but I would like something a little bit newer.  Any thoughts?   Thanks. 

audiophileman

audiophileman

 

Good advice as above. There has never been a better time to purchase Universal Players. Best practice, whichever brand/model considered, contact an Authorized repair center to check available Critical parts.  The Classics never go out of vogue.

 

Happy Listening!

McIntosh MCT 500 transport or the mc550. Stay with a well made reputable and fixable player! My MCT transport also plays usb dsd files. Great if you have your own dac. 

I think your problem is going to be HDCD.. I don't know of any new players that decode this format. I have two players and a DAC that will do HDCD because I collect CDs with this format and I can hear the difference when the HDCD is decoded. You may have to end up with two boxes if HDCD is important to you.

IIRC the Oppo 205 doesn't do HDCD (please correct me if I'm wrong). If you are into high end vintage gear there are some really nice players from the mid 90's through about 2010 that do HDCD. I have found it interesting that the SQ of these decades-old players holds up amazingly well compared to modern high end digital gear.