[bifcake]

Given a choice of REDBOOK playback ONLY, which of the following would you choose?

a) Musical Fidelity NUVista
b) Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista
c) Cary CD player
d) Separate transport and DAC combo
e) Other


Keep in mind that we're talking about Class A and we're trying to keep our price range under $5k on the used market

 

[Canman]

I have never to listened to MF or Cary, but given that the MF looks haneous and Cary has no long term experience with digital equipment, I would be purchasing a Meridian 508/588, or perhaps a Wadia 830/301. What else is there? Krell is the most overrated manufacturer in the history of mankind, Naim requires those stupid DIN plugs...maybe a Linn or Audio Research would do the trick

 

[JaZZ]

I haven't heard one of the above players. I'm in the evaluation phase too, but explicitly want SACD (precisely: get even more out of this format and better handling convenience than with my highly appreciated 963SA) and am also interested in DVD-A.

The two remaining players on my list are the MF Tri-Vista and the Teac Esoteric DV-50 universal player. Both seem to offer very high CD- and excellent SACD-playback quality. Currently I'm leaning towards the DV-50. This based on several reviews. Among others:

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/esoteric_dv50.htm
http://www.onhifi.com/product/musica...vista_sacd.htm


Another interesting player is the Audio Aero Capitole:
http://www.audioaero.com/
(see this review and ask Tom Hankins); it could be slightly out of your budget though.

 

[Dusty Chalk]

The reviews I've read of the MF's have been very good. That said, I haven't heard them, myself, but I have quite a bit of MF equipment, and would probably go that route (or at least, put it on my short list). They did say the Trivesta was just a twee better than the Nuvista.

5K, huh? I would use the Rega Planet (or somesuch -- perhaps a CEC if I can find one cheap) as a transport (extremely stable) and either the MSB Platinum (although I have to make sure they didn't screw up the filter as John Atkinson found in the prototype in the Stereophile review) or maybe something like the Camelot Uther, or some other equivalent high-end DAC.

That said, for redbook, there's a lot of really good entry level DAC's. I have a hard time imagining something better than my Audio Alchemy, and I certainly haven't heard better. "As good but different", yes, but not better, and I only paid a couple hundred bucks for that one. Dang, I need to find its power cord.

 

[theaudiohobby]

I have listened to the Trivista and Nuvista and for me the Trivista wins the days. The Nuvista is much too smooth for my liking. However I am looking forward to getting an opportunity to demo a dcs delius dac

so my choices my yet change. I am great believer in the benefits of SACD/DVDA, therefore no more plain jane CD players for me.

 

[tom hankins]

1. Audio Aero Capitole MKII
2. Audio Aero capitole MKI
3. Wadia 861 or 860
4. Audio Research CD3

 

[elrod-tom]

I haven't heard a number of the ones on your list, but the best redbook playback that I've ever heard was from a Wadia 861. The Wadia 301 is also very good, and (yes, I really believe this) a relative bargain at $3,600!!

 

[dhwilkin]

The NuVista is a great player, and going used for around $3000 that's a terrific bargain. Haven't heard the TriVista. My thinking is that, if SACD is important, get the TriVista. Otherwise, get the NuVista and spend the rest on music or other parts of your system.

 

[gpalmer]

The 830 is an OK player (I have one). I think with the Northern Sound mods it would probably be respectable, but it doesn't stand up to my ModWright modified Pioneer 38a. I would also give a listen to the Linn Ikema if I was in that price range. I have not heard it myself, but I have seen a lot of very good feedback from folks that have.

 

[fliz]

1)dCS rig
2)sim audio eclipse
3)sim audio nova
4)arcam fmj
5)arcam.....

the upgrade path that never sacrifices detail, with increasing "slam" up the ladder (can't say for sure about the dCS though...)

 

[jefemeister]

There are probably 10,000 CD players in the world that cost less than $5000. Does the fact that 52% of people on head-fi would pick one of three models scare anyone else?

 

[jefemeister]

I guess only 27 people voted. But still. . .

 

[grinch]

go cary!

though if i had the funds, i'd have a wadia 861.

of course, it's not like i extensively auditioned all of the players mentioned in this thread (or any of them). i'm extremely happy with my system though, when before i could hear glaring issues with any of my sources.

 

[markl]

Save some money and get a Sony 555ES SACDP:
(http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ighlight=555es) and have sacdmods do their thing. It may take a little doing to hunt down a 555ES, but it can be done. this $1600 player now goes for around $700. With the mods, you are looking at around $1300-$1400 max. sacdlover and Nightfall and Bluesaint also have this player and all are very pleased. Nightfall's 555ES Hot Rod was received very well at a recent Head-Fi meet, stacking up very nicely to Ray Samuels own (more expensive) Meridian player (even by his own admission

). You can see here for more reactions from the meet:
http://www4.head-fi.org/forums/showt...ighlight=555es

Tuberoller always cautions against spending a lot on a digital source due to the fact that they keep changing so fast and improving. I don't know how he defines "a lot of $$", but for me, these $4K players are a LOT of money. Anyway, I think that's fairly sound advice. For the $1300 or so for the 555ES Hot Rod, you get a player that will compete with the more expensive models you are considering without costing you an arm and a leg.

With the left-over cash, you can start your SACD collection, too.

Mark

 

[bifcake]

Hi Mark,

I am not particularly interested in high res formats at this point. I would want to wait and see how that game plays itself out. The way it looks to me right now, both of the high rez formats are destined to be relegated to a nische market. I could be wrong, but that's what it looks like to me at the moment. Besides, I don't feel like converting my entire redbook collection to another format.

Given my feelings on the matter, I would prefer to invest in a REALLY good, class A performing CD player (redbook only). Some have mentioned Arcam players, which are Class B at best, so they're not really in the running. I would be looking for a recommendation of a class A CD player or a transport./DAC combo for less than $5k on the used market.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.