[rmihai0]

I decided to try to replace my CD-player (a heavy modded Toshiba SD-4900). In the past 7 years I had the chance to listen to very few CD-players that, in my opinion, were performing great. And these are:
- Teac Esoteric UX 1 and DV-50
- Linn Unidisk 1.1, 2.1, Sondek CD-12, Ikemi
- Sony SCD-333ES, Swoboda
- Sony SCD-XA9000ES
- Tag McLaren DVD-32
- Theta David
- Accuphase DP-100 + DC-101
- Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista
- Naim CDS3 and CD5 + Flatcap II
- Burmester 001
- Mark Levinson 390S
- Wadia 301
- Arcam CD-23 T
- Lua Cantilena
- T+A CD 1240R

I liled them a LOT and, in my opinion these CD-players were head and shoulders over anything else that I listened.

I think the most I enjoyed Linn Sondek CD-12 and Naim CDS3.

The problem is that all these are over $2000 USD and I was never able to commit that much.

Even right now, I cannot commit more then $1150 for a CD-player (new or used in pristine condition).

My question: for $1,150 USD, what I can get in today market that is close to what I liked?

Thank you for you opinions.

[Marbles]

If it were me, I'd probably get a Chinese made CDP for about $500-600 and have someone I trust mod it for another $5-600.

I haven't done enough research to know which one that would be.

You might also contact ehider, he might want to sell a Stan Warren modded SACD 1000  ........

Not sure if it is officially for sale or how much he would want, but I bet you could sweet talk him out of it and I would bet it would be in your price range.

[Panelhead]

I have not heard as many expensive p-layers as you have. The best sounding reasonable I know of is either the Marantz SA-8260 or the SA-8400. These are less than a 1000.00 with discrete output stages. They weigh about 20 lbs. The class A rating in Stereophile means nothing, they sound great.
  They can be made to sound a lot better, about 20.00 in parts. A handfull of Oscons, some Panasonic FM filter caps, and BG NHX output coupling caps.
  But if you really want to go low dollar, the Samsung HD-841 is a great 100.00 machine. There is plenty of info on how to mod on the web. This could be a giant killer 200.00 player.

                                  George

[art]

Try to find a used Philips CD-80. $800 new, which was around '90. Best player that I have ever had for working on.

Pat

[rmihai0]

I didn't listen to a Philips SACD 1000 yet. I just heard from RAM that they are having a LOT of problems and they discountinued modding them due to this reason. Apparentlly Philips is very unreliable.

I tried Marantz SA-8400 and sorry is not close not what I would like. Neither SA 8260, taht is the surround version of 8400.

Regarding the Samsung HD-841: my Toshiba SD-4900 is already as good (or bad as the Samsung). So going this route won't be any upgrade.

Regarding the Philips CD-80: I never heard it. Maybe it was exceptional. But now, after 15 years, I doubt that I can find one in a 9/10 condition.

Any other ideas?

[eric the red]

You may want to check out the Tube Research Labs modded Sony players. The 2000ES mods package they offer is $860.00 shipped and that includes the cdp. http://www.tuberesearchlabs.com/index.htm

[rmihai0]

Thank you very much for your reply. I listened to a bunch of Sony players, just name it. Modded or unmodded version of them. What can I say.... I like ONLY those that I mentioned (and I listened to SCD-1, XA 777ES, etc. I didn't like them fro instance).

Beside that, Sony stuff is VERY unreliable and the service support is close to nothing. I refuse to invest a LOT of maney to throw it away after 3 years because I cannot find replacement parts for Sony.

Soory, but Sony is NOT my cup of tea.

[eric the red]

Plus the modded Sony is a changer (more moving parts, more repair issues). I have a Rega Jupiter 2000 and really really like it. Great sound and build quality plus they look cool. You can pick them up barely used for @$900.00 on Audiogon. The Jolida JD 100 tube cdps are also very nice sounding, especially with RCA 5751 black plates in them and are built well. New they go for @900.00

[Charles Calkins]

rmihaiO:

  Looks to me that you have covered all the bases regarding CD players in your price range. Nobody can tell you what to buy. Lots of advice and input though. This is a decision you will have to make yourself. Personally I would suggest that you look for a CD player that has a tube output stage. They just seem to sound better than a solid state CD player. Somewhat warmer sound and less of that harsh digital sound. Also from what I have been reading the manufactures of audio CD players have been putting there best engineers working on  tweaking DVD players. Example of these are Denon products. Top of the line Pioneer Elite series are nothing to sneeze at either. So my good man there is my two cents worth. I will be waiting anxiously to read your decision.

                              Cheers
                               Charlie

[boead]

The problem is that all these are over $2000 USD and I was never able to commit that much.

Even right now, I cannot commit more then $1150 for a CD-player (new or used in pristine condition).

My question: for $1,150 USD, what I can get in today market that is close to what I liked?

I paid about that for my Arcam FMJ CD23T on Audiogon. It’s in mint condition and I am extremely happy with it.

It was $2400 new about three years ago.

[rmihai0]

Thank you Charles and everyone else for your input. My decision: I am alreday biased toward an Arcam 23, if I can find one and Unison Unico CD (that surprising, no one mentioned).

If I will decide to take the long route of investment I will prefer the Naim CD5 and to add later the Flarcap II. This is for now.

Another CD-player about  I've heard only excellent things, but never listened to one is the Vecteur L 4.2 I think, for the time being, these should be my top 3-4 options.

I am just questioning my own judgement and taking advantage of the Internet to communicate with other musicophiles from the world to share our experiences and aspirations. I think there is nothing wrong in this. If this post doesn't like you, Charles, you are not obliged to read it or to post on it.

[TIC]

For under $1150 used, I would buy the Quad 99 CDP. Oh wait a minute, I already DID buy the Quad 99 CDP!!!!

The Quad got a great review in The Absolute Sound, and the review matched my listening experience. The Quad has fantastic bass definition and fantastic mids! It is pretty smooth sounding too. It works very well using its built-in variable volume control if you want to go CD direct to a power amp. It also has 6 digital inputs so you can use its internal 24biy/192khz DACs with a DVD player (or other digital source).

A new Quad 99 CDP list for $1499 and can be bought at a discount sometimes. It goes for about $850-1000 on AudiogoN. It is a great value IMHO.

Enjoy,

TIC