CDP in the $500-600 price range

[RationalGaze]

Hi,

I am looking for a CD player to complement my RS-2s and Mapletree EAR+ HD tube amp. I listen mostly to rock and metal.

I have been looking around and have narrowed it down to:
Rega Planet (used)
NAD C542
Marantz CD5001
Cambridge Audio 640C

What CDP do you guys think would have good synergy with the above system?
Thank you.

 

[Gradofan2]

I'd get a California Audio Labs Delta Transport and either the Alpha Tube DAC, or Sigma II Tube DAC - you can find good "mint" units in your price range. Nothing you've mentioned even comes close. In fact, you'd find it difficult to find anything for less than $5,000 that comes close (other than the Monarchy M24 Tube DAC with the Delta Transport).

Watch Audiogon, and Ebay.

 

[RationalGaze]

Thanks for your reply.
I am a little confused here. When you say that nothing less than $5000 comes close, did you mean close to achieving synergy with the current system I have?
I believe that all the above CD players are in my price range (edited the Rega to a used). Would you recommend getting a dedicated transport and a dedicated DAC instead?
Would just getting a DAC to work with my Iriver work? Since the Iriver does have an optical out.

 

[Gradofan2]

Yes - the Cal Audio Delta/Alpha or Sigma II would be exceptional with the MAD and Grados.

Yes - if you don't mind a 2 unit solution (separate transport and DAC units). To me the improvement in SQ is worth it.

And... there is no question... that you won't find anything in that price range that has anywhere near the SQ. You just have to watch the auctions / sales sites to see what shows up, and take care to buy "mint" units. I've got both the Alpha and Sigma II units, as well as the Monarchy M24 - and I don't think I'm ready to part with any of them (can't decide which I like better).

A CDP that is particularly good in that price range is the Music Hall MMF CD25 that has been upgraded - also a unit that has been compared favorably to anything under $2,000 (see the reviews on welcome to 6moons.com, a website for music lovers & audiophiles who love to read). You can often find those with the Underwood Hifi / Parts Connexion mods (1, 1+, 2, 2+), or similar mods, in "mint" condition in your price range. I've got the CD25 1+ in "like new" condition - I'm not sure I want to sell it either - though, the Cal Audio units, and Monarchy unit are a bit better.

 

[spacemanspliff]

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...y/DSC01153.jpg

Oritek Zhalou is awesome too. I have mine mounted way up on some vibrapod + ginko ball isolators and it simply stuns especially in the mids.

 

[RationalGaze]

Thats a nice setup Spaceman. I gather that you use a Pioneer receiver with the Zholou?

@ Gradofan2: I am liking the Music Hall MMF CD25. My question was, do the mods make a lot of difference in the sound quality? Also, the music hall seems to be available at ~450 at a few places. That sounds like a good deal to me. How would you characterize the sound of the CDP with the MAD and RS-2? Would you say its quite upfront or laidback?
Thank you guys for your help.