CD Players--Help me pick mine!

ScottyWatty · « **on:** 7 Jan 2007, 02:08 am »

I don't think I wrote my other post very well as I got no responses.

I've got the Prima Luna 2 integrated amp (KT-88 tubes). The new XL's are in the mail.

Which CD Players do you recommend for me?

My short list:

Eastern Electric MiniMax

Jolida CD-100

Rotel RCD-1072

I got the $...you got the ideas?

ScottyWatty

NewBuyer · « **Reply #1 on:** 7 Jan 2007, 05:21 am »

Quote from: ScottyWatty on 7 Jan 2007, 02:08 am

...I got the $...you got the ideas?

How much $ exactly?

ScottyWatty · « **Reply #2 on:** 7 Jan 2007, 05:57 am »

Depends on who's holding the checkbook, my wife or me! Just kidding!

How about a grand or under.

Scott

eric the red · « **Reply #3 on:** 7 Jan 2007, 06:19 am »

Used Rega Jupiter for @ $700.00. Have had the Rotel RCD-991 and two Jolidas in rig. Will never get rid of my Jupiter. Have a KT 88 Antique Sound Lab 1001 DT for an amp.

markC · « **Reply #4 on:** 7 Jan 2007, 06:27 am »

I have the JD-100. If your looking for smooth-it's the one-if your looking for detail, it aint the one.
BUT, with a little work - it's very good , IMO.
I'm using tubes as well and when I first got the player, ( a year ago), I was quite disapointed. Too opauge sounding for me. It replaced a Nohr CD-1 or more accuratly the oem version the QDS-15. The QDS was far more revealing and real sounding.
I soon wished that I had purchased the JD-100 with the available mods.
So, naturally, I modded it. If you check out the Underwood Wally web site, you'll find the available mods. I believe they're available in levels 1, 2 and 3. I've now got mine fully modded accept for the resistor swap. I have done all the changes myself and the cost was about $150.
The single most important mod is to get rid of the horrible polyester coupling caps and replace them with something decent-I used Sonicaps-HUGE improvement. Detail and clarity now came through as it should. If your not willing to do the mod or have it done through a dealer, (warranty intact through dealer), I wouldn't recommend the player. If you do the mod,(s), also consider a nice pair of N.O.S tubes such as Brimar 12ax7's. These are the best I've found so far, even surpassing the Sylvania black plates.

elcaptain88 · « **Reply #5 on:** 7 Jan 2007, 06:52 am »

I never cared for the players with a tubed buffer, although I had a Njoe Tjoeb.

You can't go wrong with the Rotel - its a good player. You may also want to try out the new Marantz cd-5001, its very good for $300. You could add a DAC (ie VanAlstine's Omegastar) sooner/later and have something absolutely top notch in your price neighborhood. The Marantz 8001(?) CD/SACD player at $900 also looks good - but I haven't heard it.

ScottyWatty · « **Reply #6 on:** 7 Jan 2007, 08:06 am »

I forgot to add that I also have the Rega Apollo on my short list.

I want to like the Jolida, but I'd prefer a CDP that sounds great without mods. I believe the Eastern Electric MiniMax, Rega Apollo or the Rotel RCD-1072 would definitely fill the bill.

Thanks for the input so far, gents!

ScottyWatty

JLM · « **Reply #7 on:** 7 Jan 2007, 12:57 pm »

Why is this thread here (other than you're apparently an ACI customer)?

For $1000 get a $300 Squeeze Box 3 (if you're computer savy at all). It's a wireless computer based music server that has good quality digital realm volume control, various display/menu options, and allows for internet audio streaming. Spend the rest on mods (see Boulder Cable site below), additional hard drive space (don't forget to backup), more music, more beer, or maybe a nice DAC (only when you're ready to reach for state of the art sound quality).

The reliability, features, support, and convenience can't be beat at any price. Additional SB3s can be added within range of your network to allow you to tap into the ripped/internet sources by simply adding amp/speakers. Sound quality will match up with any CD player in your price range.

Parnelli777 · « **Reply #8 on:** 9 Jan 2007, 04:49 am »

The Jolida JD100. For the money this thing is ultra sweet. True analogue tubed output stage, not the tube "buffer" BS. If you want to spend more take a look at a used Cary 308T, or the Tube Technology Fusion or Fulcrum units. I've been there with Rega, Marantz, Sony, Arcam, and others, and reached the conclusion a long time ago that a CDP without a vacuum tube output stage is pretty much junk.

ScottyWatty · « **Reply #9 on:** 22 Jan 2007, 12:49 am »

Parnelli777:
Have you had your Jolida CD-100 modified?
Have you rolled tubes?
Which player has the "tube buffer" you are referring to and why don't you care for it?

Thanks,
ScottyWatty

bpape · « **Reply #10 on:** 22 Jan 2007, 01:07 am »

You might want to consider just a basic player as a transport and the MHDT Labs DAC.

Bryan