[Zero]

First things first, I have a $600 dollar limit.

I owned the AMC CD8B which boasted dual 24 bit  burr-brown dacs.  I felt the player was worth its acquired price, ie: $196 (USD) shipped.  However, in compiling this new audio rig, I am looking for something that will give me a bit more.  This cd player will be mated with the following:

Polk Audio LSi-15 Towers
Odyessey Tempest Pre-amp *to buy*
Odyessey Khatargo Amp *ordered*
Kimber Hero interconnects
Kimber 8tc Bi-Wire

I will essentially need a source that will give this system incredible deph, realism, and truth to the music.  I want this player to be musical...

I have looked at the Music Hall 25 hdcd player, I hear good things about this player - especially with mods.  However, the player with mods seems to run it up to 800 bucks.  

Audioadvisor seems proud of Roksan and C.E.C, however, I have read hardly any reviews about these players.

There is Cal Labs, Cambridge, and of course, Rotel.  

Im simply looking for a player that will accent what I currently own.  Any suggestions are welcome.

Also, I have not thrown out the idea of purchasing a decent transport, and an even better outboard DAC, though I have to consider cables in the whole purchase as well..

So many possibilities..

Z

[mattybumpkin]

The "stock" player is a very good player, why not buy one used for around $350 and save the rest towards getting it modded later by Dan Wright, which he does for $600 plus freight.  I have owned both, I currently have the modded one.  It is great.

Also look at NAD 541I, Cambridge D500SE or Philips 963.  Finally, you could think about getting a Pioneer and having it modded by Dan too.  Might be a little more than $600 though

Regards,

Matty

[aaird]

I would look into getting the dAck and a cheap transport.   Somewhere in the forum is a thread entitled "Any good cheap transports out there?".   In that thread, some Pioneer DVD players were recommended.   These cost about $150 or so.   Couple that with a dAck by Chris Own and you have a world class source.  

Andrew

[Brad]

For $600, you can get into an SACD player, too....

A quick check of Audiogon shows:
http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?dgtlplay&1069821864
http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?homevdeo&1070047717
http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?dgtlplay&1070469494

[Musky_Don]

I have a Odyssey Monos/Tempest setup with the Cambridge Audio D500SE.  I've seen some reviews critical of the bass extension of the player.  Not a problem with the Odyssey products.  It is not the last word in detail, but very musical for the $$.  You can get a used one for about $300 and put the rest towards the Tempest.  I would imagine it will match well with the Khatargo.

Regards,

Don

[byteme]

To me, this question is a no brainer.  Scott Nixon Tubedac and Sony DVP S7700/S7000 as a transport.  $350 for the tubedac, $200-225 for the transport and find yourself a decent digital cable used on agon for about $40-50 or so.  If you can't find a Sony you could always use your current player as a transport for the time being.

You will be VERY hard pressed to beat this.  If the tubedac is too pricey then the dackit is another option with a similar sound.

The Nixon has been well documented here and other places as being almost exactly what you're looking for - "I will essentially need a source that will give this system incredible deph, realism, and truth to the music. I want this player to be musical... "  The combination of the tubedac and the detail the S7700 can provide really has to be heard to be believed.

You WILL be stunned at how good a digital front end you can have for $600.

I also have Polk speakers and Odyssey amplification.

Here's a list of very good digital cables currently available:

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?cablintr&1070465861
http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?cablintr&1070384527
http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?cablintr&1070391818
http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?cablintr&1069538744

Although I haven't heard it, the first on this list (Apogee Wyde Eye) for $30 would be my choice!

[8thnerve]

My suggestions would be for either a cheap transport and a Chris Own Ack Dac, or an Arcam CD73 (note 73, NOT 72) if you require an easy one box solution.  The Ack Dac combo is incredible, even versus $5000+ sources.  The 73 is a GREAT inexpensive CD player, not in the same class as the Ack Dac combo, but much better in my opinion than the MH CD-25, ALL the old Arcams without the Wolfson DACs (including the CD23), the Cambridge (which I sell and like a lot) and any other one box players I have heard in this range.

[Zero]

Thanks for the responses guys.  It appears as if going a cheap transport and a good DAC is the way to go.  I will head the advice of those who have been there.  This will be a new step for me.

Gathering as much info as possible before I make a few upgrades.  Got the Sony "wonderbox" on the way, and will test out this digital drive stuff.. If so, then I will most likely take the Carver ZR plunge for the SDA speakers.

Thanks again !  Ah, this hobby is expensive..

[Tbadder1]

Used Sony 9000ES--better DAC, SACD to die for, built like a tank.  Then when your ship comes in send it off to Modwright and prepare to be astonished.