Suggestions on CDP

I would definitely listen to the Audiomeca Keops or Obsession. Wonderful players! I think you may find them to be in an entirely diferent league from what you have.

I was reading the Stereophile review on the Mark Lev. #383 just to see their view of the amp. because I have that amp. So I read the tech report on the Accuphase 75v and the Arcam FMJ-CD23 in the same issue. The Arcam bettered the 75v in some areas and was close in all the other areas. So close that the reviewer bought the review player. This started me to think,because I was in the up-grade mode. So I called the Levinson dealer in my area to get his thoughts on the Arcam. All he had to say was that in the showroom they have the FMJ playing through the #383. So I made an appointment and the hour drive to listen to the combo. I was floored. How can they give so much quality both build and sound for so little when compaired to the so called big boys. I to was thinking used, but the dealer let me take the floor model home to try in my system. It was on the showroom floor for only 2 weeks and he gave a good deal as a demo unit. It's still in my system and sounds better than ever. Short break-in period. My advice is to go with the new Arcam, not only because it sounds great with the ring-dac and all, but because it comes with a waranty, most used gear does not. Plus Arcam sent me info on their complete up-grade program,bonus!! Just send in the warranty cards and they keep you informed on the future. Good policy. Peace and good listening. Salty Dog.

Do yourself a favor, check the new Wadia 831, or if budget limits, get a used 830 which you can later upgrade.

My last CD upgrade a few years back was very brief audition-wise so experience is limited, but I did audition the Aplha 9 with only mediocre results. Perhaps it was just a setup issue, but when I swapped the EAD Ultradisc 2000 against the Arcam, then I got excited. The EAD spanked the Arcam so badly that it was absolutely no-contest; soundwise & even appearance wise the Arcam lost out bigtime. I was so happy with the EAD that I kept it & am still using it today. I've seen them used for $1000 to $1400; pay what you have to pay if you can even find one - it's still a great machine esp. at used price. Bonus you also get Pacific Microsonics HDCD decoder which makes even redbook sound better, and when playing HDCD's is just amazing.

There are some great deals around on used Wadia gear. I recently picked up a used WT-2000 extensively tweaked. For the price of new stock unit...I got one that is sonically FAR superior.