Really good CD players?

johnfromnorwich

johnfromnorwich

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I know this is a tricky question, personal taste and all, but I really do need a new CD player. The Cyrus CD8/PSXR just doesn't cut the mustard. Too bright. Too hifi and no real welly. It's okay for well recorded acoustic music but with anything rockist or brash, it just sounds frazzled to me. I've had enough. Since I live in the arse end of nowhere, dealer demos are pretty impractical - plus unless I can hear kit in my room, in my system I don't feel I've really heard it. I seek your wisdom.
I've cruised fee-bay for good high end decks and there seem to be a few about (mostly dealer sales). Examples that have caught my eye so far include various Meridian (506 and G08 crop up fairly regularly), Wadia 302, Copland (the valve one, 289 I think) or even a Marantz CD7. I want detail; deep, controlled bass and smooth open treble (don't we all). Basically I want something that will make me want to delve through my CD collection like my Gyro/Orbe does with my vinyl. £1000 - £1500 I guess, pref s/h for value. Could go higher for perfection

Amp = Glasshouse TVC > WAD6550
Speakers = Monitor GR10

Over to you!
 
Nothing in life is perfect but I have a 2006 Naim CDX2 which is the best Ive heard. It really is dynamic yet smooth and balanced with an addictive sound that you just want to go on listening to. It costs £2950 new - I am selling for £1700. PM me if you are interested. Could deliver to Norwich too.
 
Hello John. Good to see someone else happy with their GR10s.
I'd personally agree with Running Gun with the Sugden Masterclass. Should be smooth, full bodied and suit the Monitor Audios to a tee.
Maybe also look for something with a value output stage??

Good luck.
 
My Esoteric DV50 ends on ebay tonight. Having owned two Sugden Masterclasses (and recomended it many times on this forum - check my posts) I have to say the DV50 is in an other league to it. Also much better build quality - my original Masterclass went wrong after 3 months.

Should be well within budget, and it also plays SACD and DVD-Video so you could always sell your DVD player to help fund it.
 
Not sure whether your Cyrus has digital out, but if it does, I'd seriously consider getting a Chord DAC64 - you can pick these up second hand within your budget and they're pretty damn good.
 
johnfromnorwich said:
I want detail; deep, controlled bass and smooth open treble (don't we all).
Over to you!
Click to expand...


Myryad MXC6000 or MCD600 (basically the same player) I have the MCD600 and it has all the attributes that you are looking for. Its a great player. It has a smooth, detailed sound with a full but tight bass. An effortless listen with all types of music. £1300 retail but I reckon you could get one for around £800 if you shop around.
 
hi there john,

i see from the other thread that you are gravitating towards at least demoing a meridian CDP.
i have a 507 not doing much at the mo and i thought you might want a listen. i don't know where it stands in the 506 to 508 hierarchy but i couldn't fault the sound. not too many about for some reason, either.
where abouts in norfolk are you? i'm between thetford and watton. you would be more than welcome to come round and have a listen.

cheers, nice but dim
 
I've not tried much top end stuff so can't really say how it compares but I currently run a Sonneteer Byron which I think is wonderful. Just so natural and smooth. Can be had much cheaper than your budget too.
 
Nice But Dim said:
hi there john,

i see from the other thread that you are gravitating towards at least demoing a meridian CDP.
i have a 507 not doing much at the mo and i thought you might want a listen. i don't know where it stands in the 506 to 508 hierarchy but i couldn't fault the sound. not too many about for some reason, either.
where abouts in norfolk are you? i'm between thetford and watton. you would be more than welcome to come round and have a listen.

cheers, nice but dim
Click to expand...

I am indeed and thanks for the offer. Howeve, I should probably change my online ID because although I'm from Norwich, I don't actually live there anymore. I'm in North Wales and I can see the Irish sea from my living room - about as far west of Norfolk as you can get without getting wet!
 
John, if you want to go in the other direction, hop on the ferry in Holyhead and come and have a listen to my Jadis Symphonia CDP instead!;)
 
Accuphase. You've got to have a listen to Accuphase!

I had Cyrus that I bought on the strengths of reviews like a kn*b, upgraded to Accuphase which was the best hi-fi decision I ever made. Followed by the worst.... listening to a dCS.
 

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