Help choosing CDP

[boomana]

Hi. Yes, I've done all the searches, here and on other sites. I'm now looking for some advice that's a little more personalized. I've been using a portable set up for a bit too long, and I'm ready to get a decent CDP. My headphones at present are: headphiled K340s, Darth Beyers, Senn 650/Zu, Senn 580s and Grado SR60....oops, I just bought some K1000s too, but they sit sadly in a box (and will for some time) waiting for a decent source and amp. I have a Heed CanAmp on the way, but have been using a mircoamp (desktop 06) that will probably stay at work. I'm looking to start my home system and am not much interested in using a computer/dac. My price range is about $1000-2000. I almost bought a used Rega Apollo a couple times, but hesitated, and they sell fast. I have an opportunity for a really good price on a Lector 06T, but no chance to hear beforehand. I'm also scouting for a new home amp, but that's a different forum, though I'm obviously interested that it all goes together nicely. I'm willing to buy used, but am also looking for something that I can get soon, and not wait for months to see if it shows up on A'gon.

Okay, enough of me. What are your opinions?

 

[Asr]

Arcam CD192.

I'd love to read some impressions of it.

 

[Garbz]

My opinion is that no one's opinion should count except your own. I would not recomend buying anything without a chance to hear and play with it first, regardless of how many good opinions / reviews it gets. The simple fact is sound is a very personal thing. Different components sound different depending on equipment, and most of all we have no idea how you like your music.

Go to hifi stores and have a listen to all they have to offer. Put a small deposit down if need be and take the equipment home for a test. If it's good pay the rest, if not send it back.

 

[doctorjuggles]

What source are you using at the moment?

 

[Uncle Erik]

I've had my eye on the Sony SCD-XA9000ES for awhile. The list is $3k, but you can find them around $1850 or so online. Might grab one with the Christmas bonus.

It is a SACD rig, which I've been listening to a lot more recently. They do sound amazing with the K-1000. Also, this has a Stereophile A+ rating and a glowing review. That's not everything, but it seems like a great deeck to me. If you're into jazz or classical, SACD playback is nice to have.

Another option is getting a transport rig and a DAC. I picked up an original Rega Planet here and feed it into a DAC. The sound is excellent, and the cost isn't bad, either. You can also send your computer's output to the DAC, which is increasingly handy.

 

[boomana]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asr Arcam CD192. I'd love to read some impressions of it.

So maybe you should buy and audition it for a few months then sell it to me at a nice discount

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garbz My opinion is that no one's opinion should count except your own. I would not recomend buying anything without a chance to hear and play with it first, regardless of how many good opinions / reviews it gets.

I agree, but am trying to narrow the field....a sorta shopping list.

Quote:

Originally Posted by doctorjuggles What source are you using at the moment?

Imod and/or ipod/line out

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik I've had my eye on the Sony SCD-XA9000ES for awhile. The list is $3k, but you can find them around $1850 or so online. Might grab one with the Christmas bonus. It is a SACD rig, which I've been listening to a lot more recently. They do sound amazing with the K-1000. Also, this has a Stereophile A+ rating and a glowing review. That's not everything, but it seems like a great deeck to me. If you're into jazz or classical, SACD playback is nice to have.

Hmmmmm.

I guess it comes down to what Garbz said. I've got to find time to get to some stores and listen to what's available.