[rchcah]

Hi All,
First post!  Im putting together a 2-channel audio system and ive got the following parts to it already:

NHT 2.5i
Rotel RB-1080 (2x200wpc)
Audio Refinement Pre-5

Now im looking for a cd solution.  My NHT 2.5is are rather bright speakers so I thought Rotel amp which I understand to be layed back in the higher freqs would be a good match.  The audio Refinement Pre-5 was recommended to me by a member on the AVS Forums.  Now im looking for advice on a quality cdp that would match my system.  Budget is around $500...kinda keeps with the overall price range of my other components.

Thanks much!

Regards,
Ricky

[ehart]

For that price, I really like the Music Hall 25 (can't remember the exact model).  Better than others at that price range (warmer sounding).  CD players are something I would personally buy new rather than used.

If you're at all into computers and have a decent computer with plenty of hard disk space, consider using your computer as the source.  The Slim Devices Squeezebox is just an awesomely supported unit that can do just about anything.  Once you are used to having all your CDs in one place, you'll never go back.  You can get started for $300 for the squeezebox.  Later add an external DAC and you'll have a better-sounding unit than the Music Hall, and move convenient to boot.

I have the Olive Musica and am very happy with it (especially with the upgrade, released today, that let's me control playback from any web browser).  Simpler setup and fits right in my stereo setup and records from LP -- but list is $1500.  Sound quality of the squeezebox is just as good.

Best of luck, it sounds like you are on the way to a nice system.

- Eric

[fredgarvin]

You might watch Audiogon or av123.com for the Onix x88 or 99. Are pretty much a Music Hall re-badged. Reportedly, quite nice.

[rchcah]

Thanks Tommy and Eric!  I was kinda thinking about Sonos as well...

Regards,
Ricky

[JLM]

The Squeeze Box can be modded for extreme sonics, check out Boulder Cable for A/C versions and the used market for Red Wine Audio for battery versions.  Both have circles below.  Warning!  You do have to be at least somewhat computer savy (I gave up on my RWA modded SB3 until friendier options come along).

You're in a tough price range for new, strictly 2-channel as the mass market is pushing universal players (the Denons come to mind as good choices) so production of the necessary guts to manufacture CDPs is drying up.  On the other side, these PC/audio interfaces are cheaper and more convenient than CDPs.

But all this makes for a good time to check out the used market.  Music Hall, Jolida, Eastern Electric, and Ah! Njoe Tjoeb 4000 players should all come in close to this price range on the used market.  I recently caught an Ah! Njoe Tjoeb 4000 with all the options here for $700.

[rchcah]

Thanks for the info. JLM!  Ive just ordered a Sonos ZP80 system.  Ive been wanting to get Sonos for awhile...  Ive read many good things about it and love the idea of the hand controller.  Depending upon how it sounds using analog out I may invest in an external dac at a later date.  My wife has been using a music media server that I had built using our older P3 based mini pc running Meedio Express and astrozap remote.  She loves the idea of being able to see the album art cover when choosing a playlist.  So Sonos should easily satisy the WAF! <crossing fingers>   

Regards,
Ricky

ps i'll update everyone as soon as im able to get things running.

[rchcah]

almost forgot...speaker cables are shotgun DH-Labs T-14, Transparent Link 100 interconnects.