[vdossant]

I use a McIntosh MVP851 DVD Player.  It plays DVD-A, but not SACD.  There is a newer model that does that.  I have the Proceed PAV/PDSD pre/pro, Odyssey 2-ch for the front and HT3 for the other channels (all w/ uF upgrades).  The speakers are all Magnepan (3.6s up front, CC3 center, MC1 rears).

The sound is beautiful.  The McIntosh has good bass, the highs are accurate without being edgy, and the mids are always gorgeous with Maggies.  The player also has good dimensionality to the sound, and there is a nice reverb and aura to instruments and voice.  Of course, the rest of the system also determines what you'll hear.  The Proceed, Maggies, Odyssey, and Groneberg cables are all about being accurate, full-bodied, and not overly harsh.

I've auditioned several players, but if you want CD and DVD in one, you'll be hard-pressed to find better at this price.  I thoutht the $10k Ayre was no better (atl least for 2-ch audio).  I listened to Krell, Pioneer Elite, Meridian, you name it.

In the end, there is no substitute for A/B comparisons, preferrably in your own home.  Equipment synergy is important, as is personal taste.  Judge with YOUR equipment, with YOUR ears/eyes, preferrably in YOUR home.

[KarlDL]

CD/SACD:  Marantz SA-8260, no mods, haven't even opened the case yet.

Vinyl:  Technics SP-10 w/Denon arm and Ortofon Kontrapunkt B, via Tempest w/latest board.

No gripes on the 8260's sound.  It was noticably better than the Myryad (>2x the price) that subbed for it while Marantz was replacing the original unit under warranty.  Some say it can be improved; it may now be the limiting factor in my system, though I'm content with everything presently.

The TT+arm are 25 years old, with o-rings in the arm past their usable lifetime.  Nevertheless, on Sheffield Labs DTD LPs, the sound is about as good as it gets and is only rivaled by the best SACDs.  Can't decide whether to replace the arm or get a more modern TT+arm to go with the Kontrapunkt.

[Anton]

I use three separate systems.
For redbook I am using a Wadia 270SE tranport and  Wadia 27ix DAC, both modified by Great Northern Sound (which distributes Wadia gear).

For DVDA I use a Muse Erato tranposrt and Muse One-ninety-two DAC.

For SACD, I use a dCS Verdi SACD/CD Transport, dCS Elgar Plus 24/192 DSD DAC, and dCS Purcell 24/192 DSD Digital Upsampler.

If you have to ask (as some of my friends do), if you have such great sources, why are you using Odyssey amps? Answer: Because I have not yet found any other amp that satisfies me at this moment. Perhaps in the future, but not at this moment.

HAppy listening!

[bunky]

the  Symphonic Line Vibrato redbook cd player. the synergy with odyssey gear is shockingly good .built like a tank. 35 lbs no buttons or knobs all control functions are done with the remote unit. handmade in Germany one at a time. mine is matte black with a blue front display and Symphonic Line logo in white cursive underneath the transport door. power switch on right rear. gold WBT rca and digital output connections. iec power connection and in white lettering on the rear of the unit it says single produced in Germany. i love this cd player.

[jkm]

What is the price of the SL CDP in $'s? Very curious.

I use a Sony SCD777es with VSEI Level 5 mod.

[bunky]

at the current rate of exchange based on the price in euros that i just took from the symphonic line website the retail price in us dollars is $4.348.80

[jkm]

That sounds pretty good. I can hear it now.

[bunky]

That sounds pretty good. I can hear it now. javascript:emoticon(':wink:')

i have no computer savy what so ever. you lost me!

[jkm]

I just meant that, knowing the quality of the SL products, I can imagine that it sounds amazing at that price. I would love to compare it to an SCD1 or 777.

[bunky]

what does the VSEI level 5 mod consist of ?

[jkm]

There's a pdf at http://www.vacuumstate.com/ that has all the specs. They do good work and have two reps in the USA.