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CD Player Recommendation?

I've begun to upgrade and am looking for a 2k or under CD player. I don't care to get too fancy but I want something that will keep me happy for the next few years or until the sacd vs. dvd-a vs. hdcd thing gets settled. Not a chance I'm going to spend any more than fifteen bucks on a recording unless it's vintage vinyl and something I can't live without. So far I'm running a new McIntosh MC352 w/ the C42 preamp with Acoustic Zen connectors on out to a pair of Talon Khorus's via Acoustic Zen Satori cables. I'm pretty dang happy so far but I'd bet my old Magnavox CDB-650 would sound better hooked up to my garage or bedroom system. I think I want to have balanced outputs but don't care if they have analogue capabilities. Used is fine if it isn't more than one year old. Any recommendations would be truly appreciated.
acatnthehat
brauser
520 posts
 
I can vouch for the sonic excellence of the Audio Research
Corp CD-2. Especially if you like a very liquid tube-like
sound.
colhogan
4 posts
 
Hi. If your MAGNAVOX has a coax out,then get an MSB Link-3 DAC,around $400.00 with a good cable,maybe $450.00. And,it is upgradeable. I can't see spending real big cash on digital anymore.What cost you $950.00 to get in sound 8 years ago, you can get pretty close now,in a $200.00 DVD/CD player. (Yes,I realize by saying that,the Audiophiles will write me off any an infidel).All I know is, that I have heard this combo players,and they are so close to my High-End CD Player ($700.00),that I sold it, bought the combo, and put the difference in my pocket.You will never see me paying big money for a CD Player again.
fineberg
151 posts
 
Muse Electronics Model 9 is a phenomenal player. There are several excellent used for sale by Hello Simply Music right now (and they are offering upgrades to signature status for $500. I have no affiliation with them except that I bought a Muse 296 DAC from them a little more than a month ago. The Muse units are unbelievably good and I'd suspect you could wind up with a just updated Model 9 signature for $1700 - $1900 which is a real steal.
acatnthehat OP
13 posts
 
Thanks one and all. I have read quite a few of the threads and it seems the same names, Carey, Muse, AR, etc. keep poping up. I'm a little surprised that the Rega's haven't been talked about yet but as I've said I've read quite a few threads. I appreciate you folks taking the time to write. As for the music I've got tons of classic rock, quite a bit of country (it took about 10 years in Texas to learn to like it} but, these days it's jazz, blues and classical. The new rig makes Beethoven rock! Oh yea, I don't have the outputs to make the old unit a decent transport but you're right my friend. It's very easy to spend too much money with too little to "hear" for it. But we're all a little nuts on here arn't we? Thanks again for the info.
ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,366 posts
 
I would go for the Meridian 508.24 and can be had used for around 1700.00.
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