Looking for CD player, budget $1,000 - $1.300

Danberg · « **on:** 24 Oct 2004, 09:49 pm »

Presently have (had!) a Rotel RCD975 CD player. It died this past week. No matter what disc I put in I always get a "error" indication on the display, once the disc starts spinning, to get read. It won't go past this point, other than to open or close the tray.

Looking to replace, new or used. I liked it's sound quite a bit. My only complaint if any, was it's very slight harsh upper end. I did like it's presence, midrange, large and definitive sound stage.

Any recommendations on where to start?

I have been reading about the Music Hall MMF-CD25 "modded" unit (CD-25 M1+ version). But they have been varied. One customer saying his modded version is sterile and quite un-appealing.

Any comments on the Rotel RCD-1070 unit, from those of you that may have heard it?

jackman · « **Reply #1 on:** 24 Oct 2004, 10:16 pm »

I have the Modwright/Response Audio modified Music Hall 25 and find it anything but dry and uninvolving. It's probably the nicest, most listenable CDP I have ever heard. Don't know if it's still available but I'd certainly recommend it without any reservation. Mine has Bybees, a really cool star grounding (no noise at all), tube outputs and transformer (no op-amps), and the latest LC Clock. It is also the most solidly dampened player I have ever seen. The knuckle test sounds like you are wrapping on a safe! It's a great player.

If you are in Chicago, you are welcome to check it out. This thing is small in size buy heavier than I anticipated. I like it a lot.

J

rosconey · « **Reply #2 on:** 24 Oct 2004, 10:20 pm »

if you enjoy the rotel sound stay with it-

you can also take a gander at the shengya thread-its a sweet unit

nature boy · « **Reply #3 on:** 24 Oct 2004, 10:54 pm »

Two suggestions for consideration: APL modified A563A at $745 and the EE Minimax tubed CDP $899, in addition to Dan Wright's great offerings. Both available direct online from regular AC posters.

You can pocket the difference or buy more CD's.

giorgino1 · « **Reply #4 on:** 24 Oct 2004, 11:28 pm »

Decware has a modded Sony player that has had some very good reports on their forum. I haven't personally heard it but I have their Zen Amp and also their linestage and can vouch for their workmanship and solid value.

http://www.decware.com/SACD/sacd.htm

Music Maven · « **Reply #5 on:** 25 Oct 2004, 04:21 am »

How old is your Rotel?

Would it be impossible to get it repaired? Maybe the laser failed, but it could be several things, I suppose.

I've not heard it, but Rotel has a pretty good reputation.

One company I was very disappointed to see fold was California Audio Labs, they had some sweet players in their time.

My present player is an Audio Refinement, I'm very happy with it, but I can understand that a lot of audiophiles prefer to get some specially-modified CD players like they've told you about here.

Jerry

Lost81 · « **Reply #6 on:** 25 Oct 2004, 03:13 pm »

How about the Rega Jupiter?

-Lost81

Whitese · « **Reply #7 on:** 26 Oct 2004, 12:18 am »

I heard all the Music Halls, Regas and I still think the Parasound CDP2000 Ultra trounces them and other costing 3 times as much...

The Parasound has some of the most balanced sound I heard from a CD...midrange is impressive/

Carlman · « **Reply #8 on:** 26 Oct 2004, 01:46 am »

Quote from: nature boy

Two suggestions for consideration: APL modified A563A at $745 and the EE Minimax tubed CDP $899, in addition to Dan Wright's great offerings. Both available direct online from regular AC posters.

You can pocket the difference or buy more CD's.

I have the EE CDP and found that with matched NOS Rocket Logo Russian tubes from Upscale Audio provides a very smooth, nicely balanced sound. Also, adding Herbie's grungebuster cd mat further improved the smoothness of the sound.

I'd agree with the recommendation. You don't just get a good player, you get Bill O'Connell... a great guy with an excellent level of service.

djbnh · « **Reply #9 on:** 26 Oct 2004, 01:56 am »

I like the Jolida JD-100 with: 1) upgraded tubes (I prefer Sylvania JHS Gold Label Sylvania 5751WA triple mica black plates), 2) upgraded PC (Chris VenHaus cryoed Flavor 1), 3) Walker SST properly applied to pin tubes, IECs, RCA jacks, ICs, PCs, etc.

I note there are some other fine suggestions in this thread. Best of luck with your decision making and matching a new/used component with your system.

guest1632 · « **Reply #10 on:** 26 Oct 2004, 04:49 am »

Quote from: Whitese

I heard all the Music Halls, Regas and I still think the Parasound CDP2000 Ultra trounces them and other costing 3 times as much...

The Parasound has some of the most balanced sound I heard from a CD...midrange is impressive/

JLM · « **Reply #11 on:** 28 Oct 2004, 08:21 pm »

For $1,000 start with the Denon 2900 and have modding options later.

thundernz1 · « **Reply #12 on:** 28 Oct 2004, 08:35 pm »

...I was in nearly the same dilemna that you are...after listening to about 10 different cdps, including the Music Hall, I bought a used Sony SCD-333ES SACDplayer on Audiogon for $400...it trounces any of them and has the rare convenience of being able to accomodate 5 discs....

Looking for CD player, budget $1,000 - $1.300

guest1632