[nick20]

Hey guy's I'm not so sure on this one, and I'm having second thoughts about having my AKG 701's recabled.


Soo.. since I recently upgraded my CDP from (junk) to what I have now, I wonder which would be worth upgrading, and would benefit me the most?


Either APureSound recable, or a used high-end CDP like the following:


Phillips SACD-1000 (#1 choice)

Rega Planet 2000 (middle mounted, not side, and not the EVEN older version; see link)

Music Hall 25.2


Of course, all of these being used.. I have never heard a "good" source before, however I use/own quite a few MFSL versions, and an even better amount of very early release issues. So for the most part, the quality of music certainly isn't lacking. However, I am not like most believers that "high-end" always means better, and when do I (we) draw the line at where to stop?

If your asking, $500 is the absolute most I can and ever will afford for any CDP. I may upgrade in the upcoming years, but of course to something near my budget. I personally cannot afford anything costing more.



What's really bothering me, is how much better is a decent "high-end" source supposed to sound to an above average AIO player? Would you say a night/day difference is likely? Or more likely just certain parts in the music that these other CDP's will excel at? I'm trying to get a better understanding of justifying the "higher" price of these items.



Thanks for your help...



-Nick

 

[Asr]

Don't worry about a recable. The K701 w/ stock cable scales all the way up to the $3K Ayre CX-7e so you're not even close to reaching its scaling potential as-is.

If I were you I'd get the Music Hall CD25.2. I'd personally like to hear one, it's gotten some positive reviews and it should be fairly musical sounding. It'd be a great budget CDP for a budget system.

 

[nick20]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asr /img/forum/go_quote.gif Don't worry about a recable. The K701 w/ stock cable scales all the way up to the $3K Ayre CX-7e so you're not even close to reaching its scaling potential as-is. If I were you I'd get the Music Hall CD25.2. I'd personally like to hear one, it's gotten some positive reviews and it should be fairly musical sounding. It'd be a great budget CDP for a budget system.

Thanks Asr for your comments. This is stretching my budget none-the-least. I originally never planned on going over $300, but I'm hoping at more of a "sweet spot" at $500, I'll have a few more options, hopefully with further improved performance.





-Nick

 

[HiWire]

It looks like the Phillips SACD1000 is a dangerous bargain. From a brief Google search, I gather that they have a high failure rate and cannot be repaired. This is especially unfortunate given their apparently outstanding performance and value pricing. I would have picked the SACD1000 out of your selection, but cannot recommend it because of its reliability issues.

 

[nick20]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HiWire /img/forum/go_quote.gif It looks like the Phillips SACD1000 is a dangerous bargain. From a brief Google search, I gather that they have a high failure rate and cannot be repaired. This is especially unfortunate given their apparently outstanding performance and value pricing. I would have picked the SACD1000 out of your selection, but cannot recommend it because of its reliability issues.

Thanks. I'm reading the same thing now. I actually had a few review links open, for when I woke up in the morning to read, but we lost power during the night, and the computer restarted.


Up to the top for any more suggestions...

 

[HiWire]

I haven't heard them, but the budget Marantz players seem to be getting very favorable reviews. Also, the NAD C542 and Cambridge Audio Azur 740C would be in your price range, used.

 

[nick20]

Quote:

Originally Posted by HiWire /img/forum/go_quote.gif I haven't heard them, but the budget Marantz players seem to be getting very favorable reviews. Also, the NAD C542 and Cambridge Audio Azur 740C would be in your price range, used.

I am eyeing the NAD, and have also found a Marantz 8400 CDP within my price range.


EDIT: Is the MH 25.2 worth $75 more over the NAD C542?

 

[HiWire]

Somebody asked the same question about the Music Hall and NAD here:

Music Hall 25.2 vs NAD542

It looks like a bunch of people end up modding the Music Hall player - Reference Audio Mods and Underwood Hifi appear to be the most popular modders. I haven't seen the same interest in professionally modding the NAD player.

 

[nick20]

Thanks.

I'm not interested in modding anything. I plan on purchasing it, and playing it.







-Nick