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Help on premium cd player

I've been playing around with separates (upsamplers, dacs, transports) seeking like many something that sounds right (like vinyl?). Lately been trying to find a good transport to work with my, largely used, collection of parts. Have now stepped back and realized that I'm already out $3-4,000 and still don't have what I'm looking for, and tired of the search. I want to listen to music. So switching tactics and looking for a really good player in the $3-5,000 range {used), then sell off my "inventory", rationalize cables and rack space and just enjoy (90% classical, jazz and vocals). My candidates, based on reviews and hours reading threads here and AudioAsylum, are

Accuphase dp 65x or 75
Audio Aero Capitole 24/92
Audiomecca Mephisto II
Electrocompaniet EMC-1 Mk2 24/92
Wadia 860x

As an old banker I get a warm feeling if the manufacturer isn't likely to disappear overnight. To those who suggest that I first audition and trust my ears, I agree 100% in theory, but it's not possible where I live.

Comments/recommendations from those who have owned more than one product or were otherwise able to directly compare two or more especially valued.

Oh, my equipment includes tube and transitor pres and amps so I'm flexible, not a zealot for either philosophy!

Many thanks in advance for your contribution. And apologies if this post is too long, just try to preclude questions rather than answers.
grandpad
lakefrontroad
302 posts
 
I have owned a Mephisto II, RA CD55, SCD-1 and Capitole 24/192. I've heard ML 30.5/31.6, ML39, EMC-1 I +++.

The Mephisto II has a depth of soundstage I've never heard before. The Mephisto II is very precise and detailed. It was in a new range from what I've heard before on redbook cd's. The Capitole 24/192 has an ease that's captivating. I decided to save bucks an sell my ML380S and Mephisto II and get the Aero Capitole and now that it's breaking in, I'm glad.

There is a "blooming" of the bass which I don't hear in the Mephisto or in other ss output stage cd units. It takes some getting used to. It's slightly over puffed. But, it's way more musical than the others, in my opinion. It also resolves the brighter passages and really bright poorly recorded rock cd's I have.

For me, it is clearly a toss up between the Mephisto II and the Capitole and I'm not sure which I'll prefer. While I'm writing this I listening to 40's big bands and I'm wrong. The Capitole does it better. It's amazing.

Good luck,

Bill Eichengrun
sanibel_sound
9 posts
 
As we import the Audiomeca we believe it is certainly a worthy contender for one of the most refined units available.We will show the new Aloia inductive cd player at ces room 1312 and by all indications it will raise the bar just as the 1301 amp and 1101 preamp have.We would urge anyone looking for digital upgrade to look into this unit.They will be available at select dealers in about 30 days.Projected price well under 4000.00.Also gives you a tuner option from add on cube.
seabird
25 posts
 
Buy a Marantz SA-1 player, if you can find one. Great sound , built like a tank, and sets the standard. If a hi-end American company copied this piece you are looking at a +$15K tag.
The sound is great on both CDs & SACD. The parts and dac are the best money can buy today, regardless what you read.
I should know because I had worked in the studio (now retired) as a recording engineer for both Polygram & CBS Records for over 35 yrs. I've heard the best in all formats and the Marantz SA-1 palyer is a top piece of equipment.
questforsound
126 posts
 
hi

please take some time to check out the new Granite Audio #CD-657 tube cd player ,,, an wonderful unit -- that will let you Enjoy SACD sound quality from your existing Red Book CD library. list price is $2995.00

check it out on our showcase on audiogon and also read the review on the granite audio web sit ---www.graniteaudio.com

if i can answer any questions for you please get in touch ..

thank you
good listening
stephen
karls
332 posts
 
Of what you have listed, I would place the Wadia first and the Electro second, both for sound quality and for support. The Wadia has the additional advantage of being able to run straight into your amp, if you are able to use this feature. I too am a believer in single-box players, because the best cable is no cable, and the best interface is no interface.
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