NAD C521 vs. NAD C521i

[Dan the audioman]

What are the differences between these players?

Which one would better fit the following setup:

source--->homegrown audio DIVA IC's--->gilmore dact v1--->beyer DT880's

Please describe the sound such as: soundstage, instrament placing, bass, highs, midbass, etc.

Thanks.
Dan

EDIT: Would it be worth it to get a refurbished C521 for ~$180?

 

[sacd lover]

The 521 does not read cd-r's/ cd-rw's well, or at all, and there are reports of disc reading problems in general. I believe thats exactly what prompted the 521i. I would stick with the 521i if it were me.

 

[Dan the audioman]

Okay...that definetely sums it up. Thanks Earl, you saved me.

So now im split between a NAD C521i and a Marantz CD6000 OSE...any help there?

 

[sacd lover]

I dont know anything about the marantz except the 6000 has a decent reutation when you do research. However, so does the 521i. In cases like this I usually buy new. You have the warranty and if you dont like the player you may be able to return it;

maybe not. The 6000 is a little more expensive unit, if I remember correctly, and the 521i is a little newer design. Get on this website: www.audioasylum.com and do a search. There is usually a lot of good info by people that actually have the products in question.

 

[Dan the audioman]

The CD6000 series players are more pricey than the NAD 521i and i believe they might also have a really old DAC.

Which is probably why Im leaning towards the NAD. Plus i love its simplistic design.

Thanks for that site, ill go check that out.