Hi Robert.
Let me start by saying that none of the cd-players I auditioned were overly etched or overly warm, but there were certainly a number of clearly audible differences between them.
The Arcam FMJ 37 was probably the most analytical of the bunch. It impressed on first auditioning, by really separating out what was going on in a complex recording, but as one listened on it became clear that it could be fatiguing over the long haul.
The Rega Saturn struck me as middle of the road, clean, but ultimately a little "polite".
The Primare CD31 and Naim CD5x were both good, listenable units, relatively warm and well-rounded (good timbral qualities), players that one could no doubt live with long term, but which ultimately didn't distinguish themselves, didn't stand out from the pack.
The Cambridge Audio Azur 840c was my runner up. It was neither too analytical nor too warm, very balanced, good timbrally, lots and lots of air.
The BCD-1 has many excellent attributes, but what struck me most (or what struck me first), was its authority in the bass. It is in another league compared to all the other units I've mentioned. It gives the music an incredible robustness. As I listen mainly to large-scale, nineteenth-century, orchestral music, this is a particular plus for me. When the double-basses really dig down deep, they really dig. This in turn gives the rest of the reproduction an excellent base (no pun intended). Very fine player also in terms of neutrality, timbral rightness, soundstage, imaging, etc. I heard none of the "dryness" I've occasionally seen mentioned in reviews. Perhaps the 840c nosed it out in the "air" department, but after considerable back-and-forth auditioning, the BCD-1 was a clear winner. The Bryston company, their support, this website, etc. etc., are only icing on the cake.
Andrew
