[orkney]

Hi,

Having followed with interest the recent threads in this forum concerning high- and not-so-high-end sources, I thought I'd ask people to chime in with their top picks for high-end source bargains. Which older or even out-of-favour digital front ends offer the most bang for the buck on the used market? Not sure where to set the $$$ goalposts, but let's say under 2500.00 for starters.

thanks and best,

o

 

[Asr]

If I ever went back to single-ended for any reason, I know I'd go for either the Arcam FMJ CD23 (uses a mini version of the dCS Ring DAC) or Arcam FMJ CD36 (a double-quad of Wolfson WM8740), which both routinely fetch under $2K on Audiogon. Note that I haven't heard either, I just like the Arcam brand having owned their FMJ CD33 (and I have heard the dCS P8i so I now have a small idea of what the CD23 might sound like).

The CD23 usually goes for under $1K used which IMO makes it a screaming bargain now.

 

[Covenant]

A used Eastsound CD-E5 European Ed would probably be my pick for best bang for the buck, for single-ended use.

Balanced, i'd go the Cambridge Azur 840C.

 

[jdouglas]

Actually, a better question IMO, is whether the cream of crop used CDP's under $2500 are as-good or any-better than the current tech at about the same price point (say like, a Transporter being driven by a computer CD-ROM).

I do love the looks and simplicity of a separate CDP, but I kinda wonder if digital playback technology has been advancing so rapidly, that it's outpaced the heavyweights of last decade.

 

[tjkurita]

If I had $2K to spend I would get a Linn Ikemi. It is my favorite redbook player in its range on the used market.

 

[Ampersand]

I'm in the process of modding it further, but a Music Hall cd25.2 with the opa627 swap is astounding. Honestly, if it wasn't for my severe upgraditis disease, i could have been perfectly happy with this player as is (w/ 627's).

Definitely worth a try.

mike

 

[cAsE sEnSiTiVe]

Meridian 508.24

 

[Audio-Omega]

How about Marantz SA-11S1 ?

 

[dvse]

Not a CDP, but with a bit of luck you could get some of the better professional DACs for $2500 second hand. EMM, dCS, Lavry DA924 have all been seen at around that mark.

 

[909]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cAsE sEnSiTiVe /img/forum/go_quote.gif Meridian 508.24

x2 as long as it is the stock 508.24 and i'll add the Rega Saturn, which is only single-ended, but still a great sounding source and easily in the same league as the 508.24.

 

[Know Talent]

Creek Destiny
Bryston BCD-1
Primare CD31

 

[Carmantom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cAsE sEnSiTiVe /img/forum/go_quote.gif Meridian 508.24

I second the 508.24

 

[fkclo]

I would rate this as a High End Bargain :

DIY CD Player

In straight dollar terms, it is not "cheap" at all, but if this is what you used to compared to those 4 or 5x the price, then I would say it is a bargain.

All the reviews and user feedback I can sourced on the web are all ++++.

I was tempted to get one, but waiting for the USB module that will be avialable coming Summer, and have someone made me a beautiful case.

F. Lo

 

[seditious3]

Second the Meitner/Emm Labs. The best I've heard.

 

[piotr z]

marantz SA-1 can be had for around 2200$ - no comments