Best Redbook Player > $5000?

[TheGhostWhoWalks]

Hi all,

I have a fair amount of knowledge when it comes to amps and headphones but very little when it comes to players so I thought I'd ask for some advice. I'm looking to upgrade from my current Rega Planet player - which has been excellent, but I've been really wanting to get a real higher end player. I have practically no technical knowledge when it comes to this stuff, so please abide by the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) rules.

Really I'm just looking for a player that plays redbook cd's extremely well. I'm not opposed to buying an SACD player, but I want to stress that I want a player that's excellent with redbook playback. I'm really just looking to compile a list of players that I can try out. Any reviews will be helpful as well. And I don't mind buying used - which may actually allow me to get a player that retails in the $8000 range new.

Thanks.

 

[GoRedwings19]

wadia 861se
naim cds3
meitner/phillipc combo
dcs purcell/delius
aero captiole
wadia 270se/27ix combo
ML 31.5/30.6 combo
meridian 800 series
Burmester
teac p70/d70 combo

Here are a few to help you start the auditioning process. Go onto Audiogon join the dicussion forums.

 

[TheGhostWhoWalks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoRedwings19 wadia 861se naim cds3 meitner/phillipc combo dcs purcell/delius aero captiole wadia 270se/27ix combo ML 31.5/30.6 combo meridian 800 series Burmester teac p70/d70 combo Here are a few to help you start the auditioning process. Go onto Audiogon join the dicussion forums.

Thanks. I got to briefly audition a Wadia 861 - it was indeed an excellent player, even though i didn't get much time with it. What's the difference between the different versions (861, 861 Basic, and 861 SE)?

 

[philodox]

I second the Wadia... it is the only player that I would consider upgrading to from my Eastsound. If I won the lottery I would be getting one for sure... as it is I have spend too much money this year already.

 

[TheGhostWhoWalks]

Does anyone know what the difference is between the Wadia 861 Basic and the regular version? I know a guy that's selling an 861 Basic for $4000 practically brand new. But i'm not sure if i should look into it (he's about a 2 1/2 hour drive away) or wait on a 861 or 861 SE.

 

[philodox]

Send a PM to jefemeister, he used to work for them.

 

[tk_suki]

The SE as indicated on Wadia's home page has a newer more advanced transport. The Basic also does not have the digital inputs, while it would be rare occaission that I could envision wanting to forgoe the expensive transport, on occaision might want to use the DAC(a masterpiece in itself) say run a computer or your DVD player(I only do 2Ch even for movies, but I prefer the SE hi-fi over goofy sound effects).

http://www.wadia.com/products/products_main.htm

You can always upgrade the Basic too. Can even upgrade SE via Great Lakes Northern Sound(sp?) they even sell used units on occaission.

Wadia's have a distinct sound, but small Company and service/support will be a tad riskier, but these units still command a premium in the mkt for a reason.

I passed grudgingly since way over-priced in Japan, hard to find, and well G-08 sound was extremely pleasing for a 1/3 cost(comparing new models of course) with an equally solid resale value history.

Personally think the advanced transport is just that, you could survive without the digital-ins but why not go whole-hog.

Again Wadia does upgrade and as I recall pricing is fairly incremental so not a big savings buying upfront, except shipping the heavy monger.

JeffM of course the resident expert and has entertained my inquiries quite nicely in the past on this unit.

p.s. this is still on my wish list should I find at a reasonable price/convenience, still got my eye out, but mainly see the the prior version.

 

[TheGhostWhoWalks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tk_suki The SE as indicated on Wadia's home page has a newer more advanced transport. The Basic also does not have the digital inputs, while it would be rare occaission that I could envision wanting to forgoe the expensive transport, on occaision might want to use the DAC(a masterpiece in itself) say run a computer or your DVD player(I only do 2Ch even for movies, but I prefer the SE hi-fi over goofy sound effects). http://www.wadia.com/products/products_main.htm You can always upgrade the Basic too. Can even upgrade SE via Great Lakes Northern Sound(sp?) they even sell used units on occaission. Wadia's have a distinct sound, but small Company and service/support will be a tad riskier, but these units still command a premium in the mkt for a reason. I passed grudgingly since way over-priced in Japan, hard to find, and well G-08 sound was extremely pleasing for a 1/3 cost(comparing new models of course) with an equally solid resale value history. Personally think the advanced transport is just that, you could survive without the digital-ins but why not go whole-hog. Again Wadia does upgrade and as I recall pricing is fairly incremental so not a big savings buying upfront, except shipping the heavy monger. JeffM of course the resident expert and has entertained my inquiries quite nicely in the past on this unit. p.s. this is still on my wish list should I find at a reasonable price/convenience, still got my eye out, but mainly see the the prior version.

Thanks for the info. So exactly what could I do with the digital inputs/outputs on the regular 861 that I couldn't do without them on the Basic? I mean, I'm just going to be hooking this directly up to my Singlepower amp so I really can't think of why I would need the digital imputs/outputs. The upgraded transport sounds really nice, but I wonder at how big of a price jump. I really don't know if, in the end, it would be worth it.

 

[newmanoc]

To the list already given, I would add the Linn Unidisk 1.1. This is a universal player, but with excellent redbook playback.

 

[Jahn]

OK someone out there finally bought the Clearance Sony SCD-1 at J&R. Fess up, who done the deed and what did you pay, you bandit?

 

[Len]

Accuphase DP-75V for redbook only.
Wadia 861 is nice, but it is a lot more analytical. It's ultimately a personal preference decision.

 

[Sleestack]

Classe Omega SACD2.. it runs $8K. I auditioned sveral of the the Esoteric units and was not sold on their redbook playback.

 

[TheGhostWhoWalks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Len Accuphase DP-75V for redbook only. Wadia 861 is nice, but it is a lot more analytical. It's ultimately a personal preference decision.

Reading up on those Accuphases it does indeed sound very nice. And about in the same price range as the Wadia. I'll definitely have to check them out (though isn't the 75v OOP?).

 

[TheGhostWhoWalks]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sleestack Classe Omega SACD2.. it runs $8K. I auditioned sveral of the the Esoteric units and was not sold on their redbook playback.

There's actually an Omega SACD on Audiogon right now for $6799 obo. I was thinking about writing the guy and seeing how much i could bring the price down. It's a little out of my range but i've heard those Omegas are sweet.

 

[Sleestack]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheGhostWhoWalks There's actually an Omega SACD on Audiogon right now for $6799 obo. I was thinking about writing the guy and seeing how much i could bring the price down. It's a little out of my range but i've heard those Omegas are sweet.

I didn't go for the Omega SACD (v. the SACD 2) b/c I didn't want another multichannel source, however I hear it is a remarkable player. It has a very different mechanism from the SACD2 and has a seperate power supply.