[greg7]

I recently sold my Naim CDX2. I found it too bright and forward as time went by. The rest of my system is a Leben CS-600 amplifier with Audio Note AX-2 Signature speakers.

I can't really demo anything due to my geographical location. I'm looking for a super smooth cd player. I have a shortlist and I was wondering if anyone's compared any of these or at least heard than and can comment:

Primare CD31
Copland CDA-822
Lector CDP-06T
47 Labs Shigaraki
Sonneteer Byron

Any other suggestions are definitely welcome. I want something very smooth, laid back and grain free. I'm very sensitive to brightness, sibilance, etc. I've heard the Saturn and Resolution Opus and found them too analytical sounding.

[Bemopti123]

I am the owner of a 47 Labs Shigaraki with Peter Daniel's outboard power supply.  I have it paired with a 47 Labs Shigaraki DAC.  I have had the combo for a good 3-4 years and I can simply call it one of the smoothest sounding transport combos I have ever heard. 

A while back, I had the same transport paired with a Bel Canto DAC-2.0 and that combo had a slamming sound.  When I added the non OS 47 Labs Dac, it lost the slam factor, but it gained a more organic presentation from top to bottom.

The newer 47 labs Shigaraki transports have gone through some cosmetic and also physical changes...it has a newer orange backlighted display and it seems as if the CD changing puck has gone from flat silver/metal plastic to transparent acrylic.  Newer reviews claim that the newer transport is better in some ways.

[Big Red Machine]

Another non-OS CDP to consider is the Consonance CD 120 linear.  Can be had for under $1k readily.

[BRILEY804]

Not sure what your budget is, but might want to look into the Audio Aero Prima 24/192.   Price ranges from $900-1500

[bhobba]

Many people these days are switching to laptops and USB DACS:

http://www.empiricalaudio.com/frComputer_Audio.html#Spoiler%20USB%20Tube%20DAC

'These are USB to S/PDIF coaxial converters which allow you to connect your computer to your high-fidelity audio system and play music stored on your hard-disks. These converters do not compromise sound quality. In fact, the sound quality is generally superior to a CD player or even an expensive Transport and outboard DAC.'

Thanks
Bill

[opnly bafld]

I recently sold my Naim CDX2. I found it too bright and forward as time went by.

Any other suggestions are definitely welcome. I want something very smooth, laid back and grain free. I'm very sensitive to brightness, sibilance, etc. I've heard the Saturn and Resolution Opus and found them too analytical sounding.

This could possibly fit what you are looking for and it is returnable with a 10% restocking fee if you don't like it.
http://www.decware.com/newsite/mainmenu.htm?/newsite/ZCD.htm&intro

Lin

[1000a]

what about:

Jolida 100 CDP (stock or modded)
Mini Max CDP
SB3 (for HD music) with a paradisa tube DAC

My 2 cents it seems like a great time to possibly investigate the hard drive as source.  The SB3 has a 30 return. 

Maybe while you are in the in between mode use the oportunity to try a PC hard drive for music.  When my CDP died I did just that and I am thrilled with the system and its endless functionailty (the correct DAC choice would be a necessity) I am using an SB3 with a Monarchy NM24 tube DAC and good power supply for the SB3.  Very pleased with hard drive as source with this DAC.

An excellent DAC and cheaper and definity smooth DAC would be the Paradisa Tube DAC. There is a thread around here with its endless fan club.  Most who have taken the time to try a hard drive as source and spend some effort swear they are not going back to a CDP either am I.

The Jolida is definity considered smooth by most people easy on the ears but still musical.  Many people really love that machine, maybe call Bill at Response Audio he could probably guide you in the right direction, very helpful, knowledgeable and nice guy.  I am guessing your ear and his may have the same desires, after reading his posts about what he likes in his personal system.

hope this helped

[twitch54]

Your sensitivity to brightness makes me wonder about your room acoustics ??? and or your upstream componetry maybe ?

If you want one of the smoooothest CDP out there take a look / listen to the ARC CD-7.

[JLM]

Rega Apollo?

[griller]

I second the Rega Apollo to at least check out. Very smooth.

[ckoffend]

Audio Aero - my strongest recommendation as stated by other prior.  I own a Capitole and find it the most musical CDP that I have heard.  Decided to send it to the recommended service guy in Arizona for a tube change (which requires sodering) and bought the prima for the period I would be without the Capitole.

The Capitole is certainly better, but the Prima is pretty darn good at a very reasonable price (used) in my opinion.

If you can scratch for the Capitole, you will never be disappointed.

[TONEPUB]

Ill third the Rega apollo or the Saturn.  THe new Prima luna player is about 2400 bucks.
Don't know if that's in the budget.

Of course my favorite is the Naim CD555....

[ckoffend]

My reference to the Prima is the Audio Aero Prima, in case there is any confussion.  Which new sells for about the same, maybe a bit more than the Prima Luna it was/is confused with (by Tonepub).  You should be able to get the latest Prima used for $1,400-1,500 and older versions for about $1,000 (ball parks only).

I have read good things about the recent Rega's, but unfortunately I listened to their first CDP units years ago, that also got very high praise in the press and found them unlistenable.  As a result, I have not bothered to listen since, but am sure they have come a long way in the past 12-15 years.  They get a lot of praise it seems on the  forums.

I was in the past suspicious of spending a lot of money on a CDP, then I bought the Capitole (also bought a Wadia at the same time and listened to a couple of others when I could find ones on my list for audition).  The Capitole won hands down, the Wadia was sold in 3 weeks.  I have heard an dcs/EMM Labs, but that is too far outside of my budget.  A good Capitole for under $3k may be the best buy in a CDP.  Of course, this will only make sense with very good other components, etc. . .

Another option is to consider a DAC, from a budget standpoint, I can highly recommend a Kora Hermes (about $750) or a Cal Audio Labs Alpha (about $500).  I haven't heard any of the newer ones that are selling in this same range that can come close to either of these.