Which cdp to choose?

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michaelv

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Which cdp to choose?
« on: 9 Mar 2006, 02:10 am »
Hi,
  Which of the following cdp would you prefer?

   1. Musical Fidelity A5
   2. Arcam CD192
   3. Arcam FMJ 36
   4. Cary 306/200
 And can you compare any two of them?


Thanks.

Loftprojection

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Which cdp to choose?
« Reply #1 on: 9 Mar 2006, 06:55 pm »
Not quite the same but about a year ago I shopped for a CDP.  I compared the MF A3.5, Arcam CD73 and 92 and FMJ CD23T.

I did not like the MF much and out of the Arcam I chose the CD23T.  I had also listened to several others, Creek, Unison, Jolida, AudioRefinement, NAD, Naim and Cyrus.

The Arcam CD23T has that little something, it's not as detailed and analytical as others nor is it not as "vynil" sounding but it's just an overall balance that make it quite versatile with many type of music.  

I don't know how Cary sounds and if the MF A5 is much different than the A3.5.  As far as the Arcam go, I'm not sure if the fmj36 is based on the famous RingDAC that is in my CD23T, if it is, it's worth taking a look for sure.

Have fun shopping.

michaelv

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Which cdp to choose?
« Reply #2 on: 9 Mar 2006, 07:10 pm »
I heard MF A3.5 and A5. MF A3.5 is almost the same as A5.

And based on what i read, FMJ 36 does not use RingDAC as FMJ 23 did.

So i narrow down to something with 24bits/192   which is in MF A5, Cary 306/200, and either Arcam CD192 or FMJ 36.

i have never listened to Cary, but there are many good reviews.

elcaptain88

Which cdp to choose?
« Reply #3 on: 9 Mar 2006, 07:24 pm »
I listened to and demoed many cd-players at home last year (including the Arcams you listed) and ultimately chose the Ayre cx-7, which is just awesome to me. You really need to listen & discern differences for yourself. Getting caught up in what dac's are used & other specifications don't tell you anything about the sound. The rotel you have listed is very good for the price, I've listened to that model; the Ayre is a level above.

michaelv

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Which cdp to choose?
« Reply #4 on: 13 Mar 2006, 08:22 pm »
elcaptain88,
  Is there any big difference between Ayre CX-7 and CX-7e?
thanks.

elcaptain88

Which cdp to choose?
« Reply #5 on: 13 Mar 2006, 08:34 pm »
I should have noted that I have the latest version, which is the cx-7e. I have not heard the original version. If you believe the posts on the web, the 'e' or evolution upgrade improves things slightly - I think improvements were made to the power supply.  I'm sure the original version is still outstanding - certainly a great value if you can find one used.