[Geek]

Hello, everyone! I am going to be able to get a maxed out home (reference module, dual input) amp for my graduation, as well as some Dimarzio M-Paths (both straight from headroom).

Pretty sweet graduation present, although I'm paying for some of it.

I'm wondering what kind of source I should use for redbook with this amp. I'm leaning on the Philips 963A after the recent post regarding its high end components and opamps; plus its price tag of roughly $400.00.

Any other recommendations? Sub-$1000 would be nice but not necessary.

Also, thanks to everyone who helped me decide what I would look for (source or amp posts I made).

Hopefully an audition of the maxed out home/reference will be in short order!

Cheers,
Geek

 

[ServinginEcuador]

Othen than the Philips 963, try looking into a stock Music Hall CD25. You can always upgrade the unit later if you choose to do so and have the funds to do so. Either should be quite nice when running an amp.

 

[CRESCENDOPOWER]

Find a way to get the Max; that front face plate is so damn cool.

 

[blr]

It's amazing how standard the recomendations here have become It's always this Philips 963 or Music Hall CD25. Before it was some Denon changer
Is the Philips really that good? It's a 400 $ DVD SACD redbook player. I can bet whatever you want that under 1000$ there are better sounding redbook players only. Look into makes such as NAD, Arcam, Marantz, Musical Fidelity, Rotel, Audio Analogue, Creek and Cyrus for instance. All of them make good playres in the 300-1000+ USD range. Based on personal experience I often recommend Marantz but that's mainly because I have experience with it. Try to audition several players and pick what sounds best to you and your pockets.

 

[tom hankins]

I owned the 963SA, Rega Jupiter2K, And A modified Music Hall CD25 at the same time and used them all with the Headroom MOHR w/stepped atttn. The modified CD25 provided the best match with the Headroom amp and the HD600/cardas, CD-3000, and the DT770pro. I used the Rega with my tube anp. I know this is not a very popular opinion, but IMO the 963SA sounds very thin with little emotion compared to the other 2 cdp's mentioned. I think you would do much better getting the modified CD25 or a used planet2K or Jupiter2K or something like a used or new(if you can find one)Creek CD43 or 50. Or pick up a used NAD silver series S-500.All of these are under 1000.00 either new or used. The CD25's come from www.underwoodhifi.com and are 750.00 for level 1 or 975 shipped for level 2. I suggest the Level 2.

 

[orl2222]

Look into a NAD 541 I . It's a good rebook player, a lil bright, but if your using the Senns 600 it might be a good match. Very good build quality, no nonsense face plate. all metal. can be had for around 350-400. I don't know about the Philips yet, I have one coming. The only concern I have about the philips is the build quality, mainly the outside, not the internals. Your getting a good Amp and interconnects, thats half the battle. These two things do make a difference. Best thing to do is go to a high end audio store, take your amp and phones and a CD that you know very well and audition. Most high end stores will let you do this. Here in So Cal I've only found one store that had a 963 SA, but i do believe it was not really working to well. SACD is fantastic, I'm a believer in it with the right disc. I guess in the long run, we can make reccomendations, but its up to you what you like. Its like buying shoes, somebody may say they are fantastic, but untill you try them out, that's the only way you'll know if they are good fit for you. Good luck hunting!

P.S. your'e in Bozman MT, check with Tyll there, he may have some sources you can listen to at Headroom.

 

[Geek]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I'm going to look into some of these players and carefully audition them.

CRESCENDOPOWER,

I might find a way to get a max. We'll see heh heh. The problem is how damn expensive it is; I'm paying $500 more for basically a power transformer upgrade and cool faceplates. Headroom has also said the Max is slightly less dark than the MOHR although I don't know personally.

Cheers,
Geek

 

[tom hankins]

You might want to ask Todd if adding the Stepped attenuator to the MOHR would do better than getting the Max without, as far as sonic improvments are conserned. I no it's a little cheaper than the Max.

 

[TimSchirmer]

Are you kidding me?

The ONLY things you can have nowadays are the 963A, CD3000, and Meta42
Everything else just sucks

 

[arnaud]

Hey TimShirmer,

I think you should feel positive about the move to the 963SA... Because 6 months ago or, we were even lower down the scale! The NS500, or whatever this thing was called sounded sooooo bad!! I owned a unit for approximately 3 days. I tried to burn it in for 48 hours, still the same crap. Thin, harsh, collapsed soundtage, the piano sounds like a clavecin, pure crap it was. Of course, through my Koss Porta-Pro, it sounded awesome! So, it's all a relative matter I guess!

I have only heard comments about the 963SA. It's amazing how it is polarized in a different direction depending on the forum. I think we got pretty good hype-leaders here!

Ok, I stop pissing on budget components because people we then consider it a snobbish attitude! I just feel ashamed for all these small manufacturers who try to make good sounding redbook only players, and we keep raving about mass produced POCs whose design objectives are cost, cost and cost!

Oh, Geek, I just saw you own the Sony player. No offense! The only thing I can assure you: from here it's uphill ;o). If you're into redbook mostly, I'd advise you to look for a used CDP of quality! I have briefly owned a Meridian 588 ($2000 second hand), but just was not completely happy with the sound (too revealing to me, not enough warmth). I'd now be looking for a 508.20 (6 year old design?), probably in you price range. Actually, on audiogon it seems around $1200. The only thing to be careful of is the drive, which can get old.

Arnaud

 

[orl2222]

MY Gilmore don't suck!

 

[arnaud]

orl2222 (orl is a specialist of ear canal in French),

if you enjoy your Gilmore with the Sony 500, do yourself a favor, stop spending money on audio equpment ;o)))) Your Nirvana is easy access!

Arnaud.

 

[kentamcolin]

If your especially interested in redbook (like myself) you should read this review of Jolida 100A:

http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ghlight=jolida

 

[Geek]

The NS500V was $138 including shipping from some yahoo dealer. It's priced similarly to some CDPs and offers imho relatively good SACD and DVD playback but grainy and insanely bright redbook. For its price I think its a steal but there's absolutely no way that even its SACD can compare to the high end stuff I have heard.

I'm amassing cash. I currently have $760 and climbing. . . bwuahahahaha

Cheers,
Geek

 

[Geek]

That Jolida JD100A player looks awfully enticing, as well as the Music Hall CD25 with the Level 1+ upgrade.

Both are exactly in the price range and have favorable characteristics: The JD100A seems to have a very neutral, in-between-analytical-and-musical nature with a very solid neutral midrange. The CD25 is just supposed to be amazing, performing well above others in its price range.

I will most likely audition in order to make a final choice, and as with all things, I have not made any 100% decision yet!

Cheers,
Geek