[Know Talent]

I listen to mostly acoustic jazz groups > avant-guarde-fusion jazz > progressive 70's rock > classical > Richard Cheese.

I currently own an Arcam FMJ CD23 and am looking for something slightly more rythmically involving.

I like detail but not to the degree where it starts to mess with coherence, musicality, PRaT, etc...
I love the decay of bass, piano notes and cymbal work.

I have many "audiophile" disks... but also many of lesser recording quality.

I'm looking for votes or ranking based on what you've heard or own regarding the following based on the preferences listed above...

1. Arcam FMJ CD36
2. Creek Destiny
3. Primare CD31
4. Rega Saturn

 

[Bigjppop]

The Rega is the only one I've listened to; it was driving some full range speakers and I remember it was pretty impresive. One thing that really stood out to me about this player was how well it did with well recorded music. I guess every CDP is going to do better with better source material but the Rega really impressed me on nice discs.

 

[4N6]

All I can tell you is what I know, and what I know is that the Cambridge Audio 840C should be on that list.

 

[randerson3024]

You may want to check out the Audio Research CD-7.

 

[Drag0n]

Bryston just recently came out with a CD Player. I think it sells around $2400usd.

That Primare is supposed to be a great player.

A CAL Icon MK ll w/ PowerBoss UpGrade would be sweet too,even though it hasnt been made in a few years, but its an awesome CD Player.

 

[Jolida302]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Know Talent /img/forum/go_quote.gif I listen to mostly acoustic jazz groups > avant-guarde-fusion jazz > progressive 70's rock > classical > Richard Cheese. I currently own an Arcam FMJ CD23 and am looking for something slightly more rythmically involving. I like detail but not to the degree where it starts to mess with coherence, musicality, PRaT, etc... I love the decay of bass, piano notes and cymbal work. I have many "audiophile" disks... but also many of lesser recording quality. I'm looking for votes or ranking based on what you've heard or own regarding the following based on the preferences listed above... Arcam FMJ CD36 Creek Destiny Primare CD31 Rega Saturn

All four except the Primare are good according to my knowledge. If you like (70's) prog and jazzrock like me, you should consider the Naim CD5(i) which is great for rock and its strong point is just the rythm. Plus it has a great steel drawer and a killer thin look. If you want something really better than all that, there's the Linn Ikemi, but it's more expensive.

 

[HiWire]

I think the Arcam FMJ CD36 does everything well. Its heritage is derived from the CD33, your CD23, and many CD players previous to the FMJ series - there is a clear linkage to dCS engineering (Ring DAC) in your player - most reviewers agree that the CD36 is a step up from the CD23 and CD33. The CD36 does PRAT and bass quite well, but without sacrificing anything in detail, transients, or overall musicality. Also, it does a decent job with non-audiophile recordings.

The Arcam should have a similar overall sound to your current player - if you're looking for a sound that is substantially more upfront, warmer or otherwise non-neutral, you might consider another brand. The Naim CD5x might do the trick, with the option to upgrade to a Flatcap 2x power supply down the road. I wouldn't recommend the Audio Research Reference CD7, because although it has a very neutral sound, it also has a tendency to sound diffuse and it isn't quite as dynamic or musical as the Arcam.

Also, I believe that the CD36 is currently selling for about $2,000 or less, which is lower than the Rega Saturn's list price.

 

[Jolida302]

For sure, Arcam CD players are great in their price range, as their DVD players which excell in the sound department. The Rega will be the more analog of the bunch, but more limited at both extremities of the spectrum. The Arcam is more neutral.
The Creek will be more "refined" and delicate but maybe less dynamic than a Naim or an Arcam.

 

[tom hankins]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jolida302 /img/forum/go_quote.gif For sure, Arcam CD players are great in their price range, as their DVD players which excell in the sound department. The Rega will be the more analog of the bunch, but more limited at both extremities of the spectrum. The Arcam is more neutral. The Creek will be more "refined" and delicate but maybe less dynamic than a Naim or an Arcam.

Have you listened to the Rega? It is not like the Jupitor or Planet. It is very extended and detailed. Smooth and musical. A step above the Creek or Arcam IMO. And I have heard them.

 

[Jolida302]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom hankins /img/forum/go_quote.gif Have you listened to the Rega? It is not like the Jupitor or Planet. It is very extended and detailed. Smooth and musical. A step above the Creek or Arcam IMO. And I have heard them.

I admit i haven't heard the last Rega, and you're probably true. From what i know, i'd choose the Rega over the Arcam, cause an analog sounding CD deck Is always better to soften digital hardness.