[hadron]

I just got a set of HP-1s from ServinginEcuador, they sound incredible, though they have also revealed that my sources are severly lacking. I'm willing to spend up to $3000 US for a new redbook player, perhaps a bit more if it can handle some of the newer formats. Seeking reommendations or previous thread links...

 

[orl2222]

Sony SCD1. One of the best players out there. Seen a couple on Audiogon, and Ebay. Check the reviews on this player on Audiogon.

 

[radrd]

Used Cary 306/200. That's the one I would probably get. Though, I've never heard it.

 

[dustinyo]

yeah, i haven't heard the player either, but the word on the 306/200 is that it's a phenominal player. the review i heard, they were using it as a DAC for other players since the onboard one is so good.

 

[Tomcat]

hadron,

My strongest possible recommendation for the digital-filterless, non-oversampling route. Nothing has been as close to the musical truth and as free from digital distortion as the digital-filterless players and DACs I have heard. I own an Audio Note CD3.1x, an integrated CDP which has the Audio Note Zero transport and the Audio Note DAC One.1x Signature inside and which retails for 2,500$.

Another option is the 47Lab's line. I have heard a complete 47Lab system at the "High End 2003" exhibit in Frankfurt about a week ago, and I have been absolutely delighted by the system's involving musicality. To my ears, the systems of Audio Note and 47Labs were the best of the show. The 47Lab system consisted of the "Shigaraki" components and "Konus Audio Essence" speakers. The Shigaraki 4716 CD Transport retails for 1,750$ and the Shigaraki 4715 DAC costs 1,250$.

So, at your price point, I'd try both the Audio Note CD3.1x and the Shigaraki combo.

A word about "the newer formats": no DVD-A or SACD playback I have heard so far has been superior to the digital-filterless redbook reproduction.

 

[markl]

Take a look at the Sony XA777ES SACDP (around $1800 on the used market nowadays) and have it modified by someone like www.modwright.com, there are many other reliable modifiers like Richard Kern. you can find plenty of reviews of their work over at audioasylum. That would be a killer CDP and SACDP, truly top-drawer performance.

 

[dhwilkin]

Used Musical Fidelity NuVista players on Audiogon now around $3000. They are awesome sources, and it's what I use.

 

[pigmode]

Quote:

Originally posted by dhwilkin Used Musical Fidelity NuVista players on Audiogon now around $3000. They are awesome sources, and it's what I use.

Whoa, I had no idea.

Hadron
Another vote for Shigaraki. I looked at your profile--it should work well. The presence and naturalness of these DACs are mind blowing...

 

[tom hankins]

Tomcat: I used to think like you about upsampling. You havn't heard upsampling done right. I've just gotten my Audio Aero Capitole 24/192 MKII and this player is the real deal. It supasses any sacd I've heard. Including playback on the SCD-1 and modified Shanling cd-t200. Hadron, check out the Audio Research CD2 and CD3. If you feel the need for SACD the best two I've heard to date are the modified Shanling from underwoodhifi.com and the SCD-1. The redbook playback on the Shanling is IMO better than the SCD-1. If you want a cdp that can take good redbook to the same level as SACD look at the audio research, electrocompiant(spelling?), Audio Aero Capitole MKI or II. I no there are alot of others but these players are the ones I have first hand knowledge with. With the budget you have it's almost a given that you will pick something nice. Good luck.

 

[elrod-tom]

I have heard a couple of nicer redbook CD players. My favorite thus far is Wadia. The 301 is generally available in that price range. I had a chance to listen to it with my home rig, and I'd really love to have one!!

 

[Andrew Pielet]

I really liked the Meridian Ray had in Chicago. It is right in your range. I want to check out the 508.20 in my home rig. I really liked the Ikemi I heard in an ATC linn system. It is WAY out of my league, so I put it in the back of my mind. Check it out though.

 

[nebuchadnezzar]

At that price range you shouldn't have any trouble getting some pieces to audition in your system, once you've narrowed it down.
Also, if you aren't opposed to used, keep your eyes on Audiogon some great deals can be found, if you're patient.

I would audition (if I were in your shoes ...

I wish):
Audio Research CD3
Linn Ikemi
Moon Audio Nova - or a used Eclipse
Wadia 301
Musical Fidelity A308CR
Bel Canto PLayer (no idea on cost)
McCormack's UDP-1

Happy hunting!

 

[screwdriver]

you can always be the one to try this first and give us a review;

GamuT CD1 CD player

 

[Nightfall]

As well as some of the fine recommendations above, I would also throw the Sim Audio Moon Nova into the mix. Its beautifully built and is supposedly very close to the full blown Eclipse which is regarded as one of the finest players made at any price. Also, everything I have read in terms of reviews, and heard from owners concerning the Electrocompaniet player has been nothing short of amazing.
Another player to consider might be the new, about to be released, Arcam CD33T.



JC

 

[ServinginEcuador]

Electrocompaniet EMC-1Up Mk II. This is an upsampling 24/192 player that will simply blow your mind it sounds so good and analog. It is a top loading CDP instead of a drawer loading unit. Absolutely blows the doors off any other unit I have ever heard by a wide margin. Can be had new as a grey market for almost half of what the importers in the states are asking. Ed Maloof on eBay sells the grey market units for about $3300. He's on eBay and I can send you his email if you'd like. Used units, which are kinda hard to find, can be found on Audiogon, and if it is not a grey market you can buy an older unit and have it updated to the new Mk II standard.

2nd place for me: Cary 306/200. I love the -200 series HDCD chip it has, but I only own about 5-6 HDCDs, so it wasn't worth it for me, but would have bought it if I couldn't find the Electrocoimpaniet.

3rd Accuphase DP-55V. Can be had for about $2500 on Audiogon, and is another incredibly good sounding unit.

4th Acram CD33T - latest and greatest ARcam yet, but so far I have heard nothing about it short of saleman pitches, but after owning a CD23 I can say they got it right with these units.