[daltonlanny]

Opinions please:
Rega Saturn?
Arcam CD33/CD36?
Ayre CX-7e?
Meridian?
Naim?
Something else?
Which has the overall best sonics, soundstage, transparency, and resolution?
Thanks!

 

[sghound]

my vote for either Saturn or Sony XA9000ES. can't go wrong with either. others to consider:
Naim CD5X
Ayre CX-7e
Arcam DV-79

 

[909]

i've heard everything on your list, but the arcam. the saturn is a no brainer and can be had well below retail from authorized dealers, probably 20 to 25% off isn't unrealistic. and on audiogon i believe the average price is around $1800. do your best to hear them before you bite.

 

[tyrion]

They are all good. I've heard most of them (not sure which Naim or Meridian you are referring to) but my pick would be the Ayre, if for no other reason that I am pretty certain the warranty is transferrable. They are a great company to deal with and it's an excellent sounding cdp.

 

[909]

just to clarify i've heard the cd5x and i and the meridian g08.

yes the ayre warranty is transferable and five years, but the laser mechanism, the most likely thing to have any issue, is limited to just two years. ayre has upgraded this unit so some on the used market might not be current. i believe the upgraded units have an (e) after the 7, but don't know how much it runs to upgrade the player. it's a very nice sounding player, but i've found dealers don't heavily discount them and as a result on the used market you're more likely to see them only offered around 15 to 20% off retail.

 

[Spardasieg]

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=255495

 

[penger]

While I don't have the luxury to hear some of these sources, I have heard players from ayre, meridian, and naim all of which are great in their own rights.

I do want to put this out there though. What about a Modwright Denon 3910? I know direct from them it's $4000 but if you supply your own player which these days can be had for ~$600, adding in the $2500 upgrade puts you at just above the $3000 cap.

 

[Dexdexter]

The Saturn's great, but I'd also be tempted to consider the new PrimaLuna ProLogue Eight:

I currently have the Ah! Njoe Tjoeb CD 4000 Reference, which is from the same company behind PrimaLuna. I've been loving it for more than three years now, but the ProLogue Eight suddenly has me itching to upgrade!

 

[tourmaline]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dexdexter /img/forum/go_quote.gif The Saturn's great, but I'd also be tempted to consider the new PrimaLuna ProLogue Eight: I currently have the Ah! Njoe Tjoeb CD 4000 Reference, which is from the same company behind PrimaLuna. I've been loving it for more than three years now, but the ProLogue Eight suddenly has me itching to upgrade!

It has been beaten by other cdplayers though. While decent for the price, there are better players. The rega saturn would be one of them.

 

[Dexdexter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tourmaline /img/forum/go_quote.gif It has been beaten by other cdplayers though. While decent for the price, there are better players. The rega saturn would be one of them.

Hmmm, what do you mean? Beaten in your personal listening room? On other threads? Help us out here...

 

[Mr_Sukebe]

Another couple to include in the group of "to be listened to":
- Opus CD21
- Consonance Droplet
I've heard both and liked them. No idea how they'd compare against some of those CDPs already mentioned.

 

[tyrion]

The 7xe is the newer model referred to as the "evolution". They typically are listed on Audiogon for $1600 to $2000. There is one for sale now that is $2200 and two others for $1900 (sold) and $1775. My thought is that a warranty is better than no warranty all else being equal.

I've heard the Naim 5x and 5i and felt that there was not nearly enough of a difference to justify the higher cost of the 5x unless you plan to add a Naim power supply which can't be done with the 5i. To me the Meridians have a different sound sig from the Ayre. In the end, it's the OP's ears that must like the cdp. Best bet is to try to audition as many as you can or just take the plunge in the used market knowing you are likely not lose much if you sell to try something else.

 

[tourmaline]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyrion /img/forum/go_quote.gif The 7xe is the newer model referred to as the "evolution". They typically are listed on Audiogon for $1600 to $2000. There is one for sale now that is $2200 and two others for $1900 (sold) and $1775. My thought is that a warranty is better than no warranty all else being equal. I've heard the Naim 5x and 5i and felt that there was not nearly enough of a difference to justify the higher cost of the 5x unless you plan to add a Naim power supply which can't be done with the 5i. To me the Meridians have a different sound sig from the Ayre. In the end, it's the OP's ears that must like the cdp. Best bet is to try to audition as many as you can or just take the plunge in the used market knowing you are likely not lose much if you sell to try something else.

Naim would be a bit darker sounding. Add that the powersupply isn't cheap as well, making for an expensive cdplayer.

Heard alot of good things about the eyre 7xe.

If you would buy reputable second hand player, you woun't loose much, if any, if you were to sell it again.

 

[tourmaline]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dexdexter /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hmmm, what do you mean? Beaten in your personal listening room? On other threads? Help us out here...

there are a couple of players that are recognized as being better then the primaluna. Mostly players in the 2000-2500 dollr range.

I think i read about it on a foreign website.

 

[Dexdexter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tourmaline /img/forum/go_quote.gif there are a couple of players that are recognized as being better then the primaluna. Mostly players in the 2000-2500 dollr range. I think i read about it on a foreign website.

Well, I still look forward to hearing the PrimaLuna. I don't trust them foreigners anyway...