[tjkurita]

I will probably be getting a Headamp Gilmore at some point. To start, I'll be using it as a home HP amp. I need a good CD source to match with it. Preferably small, the size of a mini component. But as good sounding as any good full size component. Eventually, I would like to use the Gilmore as a pre-amp and hook it up to a couple of tube monoblocks and have a really fine cd system. Now that I know of a good, relatively inexpensive pre-amp around which to build a good system I need to find a good, small, relatively inexpensive cd source.

Eventually, I would like to have the world's greatest Hi-Fi system under $2500...

Any advice?

Maybe something like this:

http://www.audiocubes.com/product_in...roducts_id=245

But I would like it in black to match the Gilmore.

Thanks.

 

[radrd]

Quote:

Preferably small, the size of a mini component. But as good sounding as any good full size component.

I'm not sure such a thing exists (but I haven't looked either). You would probably be better off finding one that has good build quality and a digital-out (coaxial is best IIRC), and then use it with an external DAC if you really need to save space.

If I were you, I would just make space for a Philips DVD963SA, Music Hall MMF-CD25, NAC C541i, or some other full-sized low-priced cdp with a good reputation.

 

[tom hankins]

Try Teac or Cyrus both have small systems and seperates for sale.Tuners, cdp's, amps, int. amps, small mono blocks, etc. Cyrus is probably a little more highend, and competes with full size gear.

 

[tjkurita]

Quote:

I'm not sure such a thing exists

This is the answer I was afraid of... Separate transports and DACs become expensive don't they?

Thanks.

 

[tjkurita]

Thanks, Tom

I'm going to check it out right now.

 

[tom hankins]

If you want highend sound in a small package Cyrus is the only one I can think of. I think they are very affordable. www.cyrusaudio.comYou might want to check the Teac reference 300 and 500 systems. They have gotten good reviews. Cyrus makes one system with a transport, DAC, pre-amp and 2 little monoblocks and speakers thats supposed to be kick ass maybe someone else no's the name of it..

 

[tjkurita]

That Cyrus stuff looks NICE

. 4X 24 bit DAC...

Upgrade possibilities too.

I'll look into that.

Thanks again Tom.

 

[drewski]

I haven't heard Cyrus stuff in quite a while (15 years or so), but I remember the old stuff was top notch. The old Rega distributor picked them up, so maybe we'll get to hear more of it in the US now. I know it gets rave reviews from the UK press.

I don't know if you're strictly looking at new gear, but the Linn Genki is a good CD player and has a small footprint. It comes in black as well and can be had in the used market for about $900. In terms of sound characteristics, I'd put in between the Arcam FMJ CD23 and the Rega Jupiter.