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Best CD Player for Under $1000 - Page 4

post #46 of 79
12/1/04 at 4:11pm
I have heard both the Arcam CD-73 and the MF 3.2, but not side by side (though it WAS at the same dealer). I had demo'd the Arcam with the Rotel 1072 and the Rega Planet 2000.

My personal taste found that the Arcam was more musical than the MF, so I didn't even include the MF in my demo. Plus it was more than I wanted to spend.

I found the MF to be a little too analytical for my taste, and slightly leaner sounding. It was well broken in, and was playing alongside MF electronics and Totem speakers, so ancillary equipmnt may have something to do with it.

I haven't heard the X-Ray, though it looks very promising. The Arcams, to my ears, don't do some hi-fi trickery as well as some other players, but they immensely musical!
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post #47 of 79
12/1/04 at 5:53pm
I cannot provide an objective comparative opinion as I haven´t auditioned the other players. All I can say is that I´m totally happy with the Rega Planet 2000.

Cheers!
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post #48 of 79
12/1/04 at 7:21pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by skullguise
I have heard both the Arcam CD-73 and the MF 3.2, but not side by side (though it WAS at the same dealer). I had demo'd the Arcam with the Rotel 1072 and the Rega Planet 2000.

My personal taste found that the Arcam was more musical than the MF, so I didn't even include the MF in my demo. Plus it was more than I wanted to spend.

I found the MF to be a little too analytical for my taste, and slightly leaner sounding. It was well broken in, and was playing alongside MF electronics and Totem speakers, so ancillary equipmnt may have something to do with it.

I haven't heard the X-Ray, though it looks very promising. The Arcams, to my ears, don't do some hi-fi trickery as well as some other players, but they immensely musical!
I having a hard time trying to decode the audiophile speak

By Musical you mean what? Warm and lush? Something else?
Was the MF more detailed and neutral?

Thanks
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post #49 of 79
12/1/04 at 9:03pm
I don't have experience with Arcam, but I can tell u the MF A3 and A3.2(improved version of A3) do sound dynamic, neutral, clean, but with a natural and enjoyable midband.
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post #50 of 79
12/1/04 at 10:13pm
My wife just ordered me the Music Hall cd-25 with the level 3 mods from Sound Odyssey for Christmas. I didnt know she was so aware. What a woman.
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post #51 of 79
12/1/04 at 10:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sacd lover
My wife just ordered me the Music Hall cd-25 with the level 3 mods from Sound Odyssey for Christmas. I didnt know she was so aware. What a woman.
After a LOT of research, I did the same on Monday with the upgraded capacitors My wife's Christmas present to me as well.
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post #52 of 79
12/1/04 at 10:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jeffreyj900
After a LOT of research, I did the same on Monday with the upgraded capacitors My wife's Christmas present to me as well.

How much extra were the caps? Maybe I can sneak in an extra upgrade before it ships!!
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post #53 of 79
12/1/04 at 11:37pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by sacd lover
My wife just ordered me the Music Hall cd-25 with the level 3 mods from Sound Odyssey for Christmas. I didnt know she was so aware. What a woman.
She's a keeper
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post #54 of 79
12/1/04 at 11:44pm
PM'd you SACD Lover! Stryker had recommended it in another thread. I figured since it was already being modified.....
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post #55 of 79
12/2/04 at 12:44am
New - Rega Planet
Used - Rega Jupiter (if you can find it, i got mine for $845)

The Music Fidelity's are great too, but just not for me. The Regas just "grooved" more.
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post #56 of 79
12/2/04 at 12:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by KR...
The X-Can is a headphone amp, I think you mean the X-Ray.

There is also an interview on that very same site, where they speak to the head of MF and he says they are both the same inside.
Brain fade... yes, you're absolutely right, I did mean X-Ray. My apologies.
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post #57 of 79
12/2/04 at 4:03am
I own the Rega Planet 2000 and I love it. I think it's a fantastic player. Probably the best bang for the buck of the Class B players. However, I heard the Musical Fidelity players and they are VERY good. They're slightly different sounding than the Regas. They're more neutral, somewhat more detailed, nice bass handling, just overall a great, even player. Regas are more involving though. They pull you in more. When you listen to the Rega players, you forget that you're listening to equipment and you start listening to music. There's just something more palpable about them. I can't quite put my finger on it.
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post #58 of 79
12/2/04 at 4:11am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bifcake
When you listen to the Rega players, you forget that you're listening to equipment and you start listening to music. There's just something more palpable about them. I can't quite put my finger on it.
If i could "thumbs up" this i would. That's the EXACT impression i got. And with the Jupiter that feeling is even more startling. The Musical Fidelity are to the Regas what the Sony Qualias are to the R10s: neutrally and maybe "technically" better, but not as engaging musically. It's all personal tastes. I lean towards the Rega/R10 group.
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post #59 of 79
8/26/05 at 9:06pm
I'm unearthing this thread b/c I too have been considering a new CDP or a Benchmark DAC1 + something else.
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post #60 of 79
8/26/05 at 9:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by KR...
It can be brand new or even used.
This is easy - the Eastsound CD E5 for $710 total, shipped to your door, brand new. Best for under $2500.

Uses the Crystal processor used in the Meridian, the clocking mechanism used in the Wadia and mark Lrevinson, the Philips transport used in the Gamut, Class A output with no opamps, and a very robust power supply.

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showt...=114328&page=1

I replaced my NAD 542 with the E5 and was absolutely astounded by the difference in every respect. Makes CDs enjoyable for me at long last.

My next choice up would be the Meridian - nothing in between the E5 and the Meridian.

NAD and comparable CDP owners just don't know what they are missing.
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