CDP suggestions for great bass?

EProvenzano · « **on:** 19 Dec 2004, 05:28 pm »

Hello,

I'm looking for opinions on the best CDP under $1000 with emphasis on great bass reproduction.

For the past 3 years, I've had a couple ES Sony units including my current SCD C555ES, and an Arcam 72T. All these presented weak sounding bass. Not very extended and ill defined. My reference is a Basis 1400/RB250/Grado analogue setup. Surprisingly my TT rig always has more satisfying bass. I say surprisingly because, I'm new to analogue, and I always read that vinyl systems can have a tough time reproducing extended bass.
I've always had a suspicion that my CD players had weak bass, but now I'm convinced.

Your suggestions will start my audition list.
Thank you

rosconey · « **Reply #1 on:** 19 Dec 2004, 05:40 pm »

my sheng ya s10 has awsome quality bass-it surprised me

elnero · « **Reply #2 on:** 19 Dec 2004, 07:18 pm »

The Cambridge Azur 640C does an admirable job and I've also been really impressed with the overall sonics of the Eastern Electric MiniMax CD player. Before I bought it I had heard the bass was it's weak point but I've been pleasantly suprised that it is quite good and can be fine tuned with some tuberolling.

Tyson · « **Reply #3 on:** 19 Dec 2004, 07:34 pm »

The Bolder Cables Mensa DIO has as good a bass presentation as I've yet heard.

Tr3vWh0r3 · « **Reply #4 on:** 20 Dec 2004, 08:11 am »

I auditioned the CEC 3100 and the Cambridge Azur 640C. I found the CEC to be much better with bass and its alot smoother than the Cambridge player. The dealer said he didn't have anything in the store under $1500 that could match the CEC.

AphileEarlyAdopter · « **Reply #5 on:** 20 Dec 2004, 07:04 pm »

I was also surprised that my MMF-5+MonolithicSound PhonoPre had very good bass.
Have you tried any tweaks on your CD player ?
I have my player on Vibrapod Cones, and use Walker Vivid polish and Herbie's Grungebuster mat on the CD.
I am now thinking of getting the ball-bearing devices.

mcgsxr · « **Reply #6 on:** 20 Dec 2004, 07:11 pm »

I second the Bolder Mensa, it is a great piece. I will change transports at some point (using a Nakamichi CD4 at the moment), but other than that, my front end is static for a while.

Great bass.

mcrespo71 · « **Reply #7 on:** 20 Dec 2004, 10:58 pm »

I only heard it once with a system I'm not that familiar with, so take this as just an observation, but the Talk Thunder 3.???? had some excellent bass.

I think Naim CD players- I've heard the entire line except the 5i- have incredible bass.

Michael

maxwalrath · « **Reply #8 on:** 20 Dec 2004, 11:16 pm »

I thought the sony 9000es had solid bass

awm · « **Reply #9 on:** 21 Dec 2004, 06:40 am »

I'll third the ART DI/O. I hvae a modded one, too, and one of its strongest features is the bass. Very solid, extended and tight.

Andy

Jay S · « **Reply #10 on:** 21 Dec 2004, 12:30 pm »

Yes another vote for the ART/Bolder Mensa DI/O!

JoshK · « **Reply #11 on:** 21 Dec 2004, 02:04 pm »

As long as people are throwing out DACs instead of CDPs as the poster asked, you are going to need a good transport to pair with that DAC and the Phillips CDPro2 transport kit is a wonderful transport with killer bass.

ctviggen · « **Reply #12 on:** 21 Dec 2004, 04:04 pm »

Where do you get the Philips transport kit? I googled this and cannot find where it's sold (I used both "Philips" and "Phillips").

Thanks!

JoshK · « **Reply #13 on:** 21 Dec 2004, 04:14 pm »

this thread...

here

mcgsxr · « **Reply #14 on:** 21 Dec 2004, 05:02 pm »

Yeah, you would need a decent transport for the Mensa, but he already has a cd player right? That could certainly work as an interim solution, and I do have to say that the reviews on that kit look great...

rmihai0 · « **Reply #15 on:** 21 Dec 2004, 05:10 pm »

or CONSONANCE CD 120. If too expensive, than ROTEL RCD - 1072

EProvenzano · « **Reply #16 on:** 22 Dec 2004, 01:56 am »

Thanks for all the responses!

A single box solution is mandatory. Though, I'm sure all the DACs mentioned are excellent. Thanks again.