st01

Responses from st01

Solid State CD Player under $2000
I dont know which is best (such a subjective thng anyway) ... but two worth checking out are the Oppo BDP-95 and the Sony XA5400ES. Unfortuneately the Sony is discontinued and you will have to look for a resale. 
Conrad Johnson 17LS Power Cord Recommendations
With CJ gear the factory supplied cords are typically the best way to go. The after market options typically add cost without any audible improvement. 
Tonearm Choice:SME or Rega?
The Rega RB300 is a terrific value and an excellent arm; I have had over 25 years of flawless perfomance from one I use with an AR-ES1. It has two downsides you need to be aware of (1) it does not have VTA adjustment and you have to use spacers to... 
Amazing ''Overachieving'' products...your pick?
Magnepan 1.x speakers, Apogee stages, Conrad Johnson electronic (the lower priced stuff), Kimber PBJ and 8TC, Sony 5400es 
Opinion on Mark Levinson 533h amp
I have owned a Levinson 331 since 1997. Still sounds fantastic and can show the improvements in digital players over time. Has given me countless hours of pleasure and been totally faultless. Sorry to hear of the drop in quality for this brand. 
Mark Levinson n°39 or dedicated DAC?
A good move ... I have a Proceed CDP which is very similar to the ML39 ... only real difference is an 18 bit DAC vs the 20 bit in the ML. I just acquired a Sony 5400es and even after 20 hours burn-in in I was pleasantly surprised at the improvemen...