CD player search

[muzik_wolf]

Whassupp?!

I like my system as is right now except for one thing. I would like to get a nice dedicated CD player since 95% of all my listening is to music. I don't want a cheap one, however, I certainly wouldn't want it to "outclass" the rest of the system either. the brands I'll be checking out are NAD, Denon and HK, just to name a few. I'd appreciate any input you guys might have.
PEACE!!!

[F1nut]

Check out the Sony ES CDP- C555ES. Stereophile rated Class A, 5 spinner that does CD/SACD for about $800.00 new and $500.00 used.

[RuSsMaN]

2 recommendations:

AMC cd8b - $175 direct from amchome.com

Cambridge Audio D-300se - $299 from audioadvisor.com

My newest Audio Advisor flyer showed they had the AMC cd8d for $249, but I can't find it on their site.

Cheers,
Russ

[organ]

Since I'm a NAD loyalist, I'll say go with NAD. Take a look at their C521i and C541i. Like you, my system is used for music 95% of the time. Before I became NAD crazy, I was in your position. I was looking for a good dedicated CD player. I read a lot of reviews(professional and consumer) and decided the C541 would be the right choice for me. I didn't mind buying it without listening first because I could return it within 30 days if I wasn't satisfied. I was so impressed with the CD player that I decided to build my system around NAD gear and I'm very happy.

Maurice

[dcarlson]

I'd add Rotel into that mix.

[muzik_wolf]

Thanks for your input guys. I will check out the units you recommend. In respomse to Organ, I used to own the NAD 5425 CD player (circa 1990/91) until it became the casualty of a burglary in '95 along with my beloved Polk Audio Monitor 5 series II speakers. It was the best sounding I'd heard to that point at $300. Stereophile recommended it highly. Thanks a lot.
See ya 'round the forum!

[organ]

Sorry to hear about that, wolf. I just hope that the cowardly thing that cheap f#ck did came around and bit him in the ass. We spend so much money and time into our audio gear and there are a$$holes going around stealing them. Losing any gear is like losing a family member for us.

Maurice

[Wade Spradley]

Well, after much soul searching myself, and reading many reviews between, NAD, Marantz, and Cambridge. For my money and class of system I ordered the NAD C521i, since it seemed to meet my criteria of cost and system needs. Especially since there are really no places that really carry quality stereo components locally. I've had to rely on online reviews and Audiophile recommendations.

Sorry to hear about the stolen gear.

[joe logston]

sorry to here about something thats been stolen wolf, it hurts,
i just got my tile wet saw stolen 4 weeks ago. thats going to be hard to recover for me. (hang all thefts), and there been 3 cars in the condo complex where i live , thats been stolen the last mo.

go for the nad or sony

[F1nut]

GO for the NAD

Oh, I'm so bored........:D

[dcarlson]

Subliminal...

[muzik_wolf]

Yea, I am leaning toward the NAD C541i, F1nut. I really liked the previous NAD I had. Right now I'm using my Sony dvd player and it's just not the same even though it sounds good. The bad part is that the NAD dealer nearest to me in New Jersey is about 60 miles away! What we go through for good audio :).

[gidrah]

I've been looking at some nice DACs at Audiogon lately. Krell for cheap.

[organ]

gidrah,
Have you checked out the DAC by Musical Fidelity? It's the DAC found on their flagship CD player. One professional reviewer claimed the DAC to be the most analog sounding.

Maurice

[Zero]

Musical Fidelity! My baby!!!!!!!!!!

[organ]

wassup Venom Did you get the MF suff you wanted yet? They're pricey but I'm sure they kick serious butt. MF gear are built like a tank. They weigh a lot and could probably survive a nuclear explosion LOL. MF is one brand I'd consider getting into if I made a lot of cash. The next step for me would be NAD's silver series.

Maurice

[tryrrthg]

I have the NAD 521 and love it. My next favorite (affordable) CD player is the Arcam CD72. It is so sweet sounding and can be upgraded to it's big brother the CD92. The CD72 can be had for $400 to $500 at Audiogon and retails for around $800.

here's a review:
http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/arcam_cd72.htm

[gidrah]

Yep. I've seen 'em and like what I see, except for the price. I'm sure the price for the used ones will be dropping more soon.