[Matthew-Spaltro]

because I bought the Corda HA 1 MkII and the Denon just won't cut it. You should not spend more on amp then you do on source.

So anything in the 800-1000 dollar range is my budget.

 

[Pepsione1]

I don't know much about this but here is what I think. Wouldn't it be better to spend money to get a DAC instead? I mean eventually, you will need a DAC to get the most out of your future CDP so why not spend the money on it first and get the most out of your current CDP. Unless the transport on your current CDP is so bad its not worthy of a decent DAC. I have a Sony ns500v and that's what I plan on doing.

 

[Old Pa]

When I got my Denon 370, I was pretty happy with the improvement in sound. I understand there's a mod for snipping out the Denon's headphone jack circuitry that improves the line out. Probably show up in these forums on a search by Denon model. But it's not a bad source.

 

[radrd]

Quote:

So anything in the 800-1000 dollar range is my budget.

Do you want SACD and/or DVD-A or just redbook? For redbook, my guess would be that the modded Music Hall MMF-CD25 at $950 will be an outstanding source for the money, better than anything else below $1K and probably better than most up to $2K, as the unmodded player is better than most below $1K.

Quote:

I don't know much about this but here is what I think. Wouldn't it be better to spend money to get a DAC instead?

If your player has digital outs and would make a decent transport, you might consider this option.

 

[yidimsum]

Option #1: Get a used Sony SCD-555ES for ~$550 and get it modded at http://www.sacdmods.com for $600. This would make a killer source with the convenience of a 5-disc changer (definitely handy when sharing some tunes (and making some tunes) with your girlfriend(s)). Add a decent aftermarket powercord and you're all set.

Option #2: Go vinyl and get a turntable. A Music Hall MMF-7 could be nice. and you'd have money left over for a phono pre also.

 

[ServinginEcuador]

Spend some time at Audiogon and look for a bargain. I just sold my Arcam CD23, so if you are looking for a regular Redbook player, these are nearly impossible to beat for the price. They are simply a fabulous machine. If you want SACD you should look at something that can be easily modified to make some improvements. The Music Hall Cd25, Philips SACD1000, Sony's SACD units, all are easily modified and made to sound incredible.

 

[chefbeldar]

To add to the Redbook only CD-player list, the Linn Genki is a great player. I have it set up with AT W2002 and Micro Zotl. Great detail, drive and solidly constructed. Picked mine up on Audiogon, usually retails for $1700, can get it for around $800.

Hope this helps,
Chefbeldar

 

[Solude]

You sure it's the player and not the recording you don't like? Whenever I upgrade I find there are some recording that just plain old suck. Frankly I downgraded a while back because the only thing that sounded good was well recorded music, almost exclusively jazz and blues at the time.

Anyway not sure how close your PC is but I prefer the M-Audio Revo to the Shanling CD-S100 unmodded. That's pretty high praise for a $100 sound card. For more money the Sony ES SACD players are very nice. On the DACs is you want mellow go Bel Canto, want bite go MSB. That said you probably just have recordings that are poorly recorded. The higher you go, the worse they get.

 

[tom hankins]

I've got the music hall mmf cd25 modified by parts connextion. 975.00 shipped, it replaced a rega jupiter 2000, which replaced the planet 2000 and the philips 963. I've listened to several players under 2 grand and IMO this is the strongest player of the ones I've heard.

 

[Matthew-Spaltro]

I have all ready done the mod. To my ears I still find the Denon too bright. Most of the members think of the Denon as a warm sounding player. But I tend too find the Denon too bright for my taste. Thats true, it's not a bad source by any means but the consencus around here at head fi is that your amp should never cost more then your source.






Quote:

Originally posted by Old Pa When I got my Denon 370, I was pretty happy with the improvement in sound. I understand there's a mod for snipping out the Denon's headphone jack circuitry that improves the line out. Probably show up in these forums on a search by Denon model. But it's not a bad source.

 

[deven8]

I second the linn genki or a arcam. Also I like the rega's. Audiogon a good place to look for really bargins. But let your ears by the guide. try a few out at some local shops.

 

[blr]

Yet one more redbook option Marantz CD600 OSE KI signature.
I have the OSE only (not KI) and all the comparisons I've done since I bought it show me that it easily compares to more expensive players. It also depends on your musical tastes. I am mainly into rock and the Marantz is a great rocker, fast and clean. For classical perhaps a warmer player can be better.

 

[Solude]

What were you using for an amp before? Because if the Denon wasn't 'bright' then and is now you may be wasting your time finding a dull CD player when the brightness is coming from the amp. Also what cans you using?

 

[Audio-Me]

In that price range, I'd definately get a Rega Planet, however the new Jolida JD-100 tubed CDP has me interested, give it a try.

 

[Matthew-Spaltro]

Quote:

Originally posted by Solude What were you using for an amp before? Because if the Denon wasn't 'bright' then and is now you may be wasting your time finding a dull CD player when the brightness is coming from the amp. Also what cans you using?

The Denon was allways bright.