[hadron]

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions so far, I definitely need to get out and do some auditioning, good to have a list of what to look for though. It will be next month before I can actually save up that much money, if I eat Ramen exclusively and quit drinking Belgian ales that is

August seems more reasonable and will give me a chance to travel to some of the more distant shops.

I've been mostly lurking on this forum for a long time now and find that Tomcat's views seem to match well with my ear. Guess I need to check out the 47 Lab offerings, anyone know of a place in the WI/IL area where I might give them a listen? The Flatfish gets rave reviews (the Shigaraki system appears to be close) and it has an onboard DAC and can be upgraded with the addition of the Progression DAC at a latter time, might be able to get a used one for around my price range.

Plenty of good stuff here, Cary and Wadia are on my must listen to list, and I'll be sure to check out some of the others if I get the chance.

 

[pigmode]

The Shigaraki DAC and transport are seperate at $1250 and $1750 respectively.

 

[arnaud]

In that list, I auditioned the CD3 with PreHead /HD600 and it was ... a bliss!!! I am very sensitive to digital sounding CPDs, and this guy made me smile! To me, it's a large step above the Meridian 588, which I have owned. No stress, just pure pleasure.

Second hand for $3500 maybe?

Arnaud.



Quote:

Originally posted by 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!

 

[tom hankins]

Audio Research CD3 = Happiness

 

[kentamcolin]

Factory refirbished Sony SCD-1, $2,500 at audiogon:

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.p...023&class&3&4&

Also, try Electrocomponiet, heard some great reviews of their players.

I listened to the Meridian 508.24 at the Chicago meet. Wooooonderful.

47 Labs stuff looks cool, IMO, and seems to have the sound to back it up.

Except for the Meridian, I've not heard any of these, but read fantastic reviews. Also, check out Tuberollers review of a modded Jolida. Well below your price point, but he knows his stuff and you might be missing outby not considering this fantastic redbook player (and my next CD source).

With that budget, you'll have fun for sure.

 

[tom hankins]

This place sells brand new modified units with full warrantys from Jolida, Shanling, and Music Hall. www.underwoodhifi.com the mods are done by Parts ConneXtion.

 

[rchiang]

my friend has the cary 306/200 and it surely sounds great in his system

 

[Geek]

I have heard the Meridian 508.24 through a purist reference setup and must say it's the most neutral player I have ever heard. When I listened to it through HD600s and the blockhead, I closed my eyes and after a few minutes actually forgot I was listening to headphones. That's never happened before with me.

Give it a try.

Cheers,
Geek

 

[john_jcb]

A player that is in your range that does a great job with Redbook CDs is the Ayre CX-7.

 

[tjkurita]

I auditioned a Linn Ikemi two days ago and it sounded GOOD. Really good. You should listen to it before you buy, but you should probably listen to it. It *might* not be worth its hefty price. I'm not sure if it is twice the player that the Linn Genki is (which is the one I could afford and thus, bought). It could be, though. It absolutey sounded better than the Genki and the Genki sounds pretty damn good...