Best 1-box CD player under 1,k

Carlman · « **on:** 9 Feb 2004, 10:16 pm »

Is there any single-box CD player better than a Pioneer DVD transport that's been modified by Dan Wright paired with a Bel Canto DAC2?

I'm considering this to minimize the number of components, power cables, etc. that I have to reduce space and entry points for RFI. I was thinking of getting a new CD player and selling off my current digital rig which is transport and DAC. It's not a Bel Canto but, I think it's fairly similar and no one has heard a modified Museatex anyway..

I may be able to demo the Eastern Electric CDP but, will it be better? We'll see.

The only CD player I've heard that I thought was perfect was a BAT that was 4500... which I don't have to spend. The price would need to stay under 1,k. Is it possible? What do I mean by 'perfect' or 'better'? I mean that it doesn't sound digital in nature.. it has a nice, smooth presentation that has a near-analog sound.

I'd prefer new-ish... as in used is OK but, I want it to last a few years.

Re-reading this post sounds really wacko. I don't know what I was thinking. I think this is unrealistic. However, I'll post it anyway just in case I'm wrong.

Thanks for your patience.

J North · « **Reply #1 on:** 9 Feb 2004, 10:29 pm »

consider:
aplhifi.com modified Pioneer 563a
Jolida 100
RAM Music Hall M-25
Cayin Cd-25
Noe Tjoeb (upscaleaudio.com)

good luck!

rosconey · « **Reply #2 on:** 9 Feb 2004, 11:00 pm »

dont laugh to hard carlman

but spend 80$ for a philips 727 or a toshiba 3950

bolth 24-192

Bill O'Connell · « **Reply #3 on:** 9 Feb 2004, 11:09 pm »

Hey Carlman,

I just received shipment late Friday afternoon of our new Eastern Electric tube cd player.
Let me send you one.
I will be out of the office tomorrow as I am celebrating my wifes 50th birthday but I can send you one on Wed. if you like.
Let me know.
Later,
Bill

Carlman · « **Reply #4 on:** 10 Feb 2004, 03:14 am »

Quote from: J North

consider:
aplhifi.com modified Pioneer 563a
Jolida 100
RAM Music Hall M-25
Cayin Cd-25
Noe Tjoeb (upscaleaudio.com)

good luck!

J North: I have a Pioneer 656a now. I could get modwright to do more mods to improve the analog output but, I doubt it would be as good in sonics to the DAC I have now. It's really good.

Are these other players really good? I've heard someone mention Cayin before... who are they? Is this good, quality stuff?

Rosco, The Philips 727... I won't laugh but, what have you compared it to? I don't mind spending $80 if it's better than my current $1,k+ digital rig and sounds better.

I guess I should've mentioned I'd like something to last a little longer than a mass-market DVD player. I just think spending 300-700+ on something that was only 100-250 to begin with is going to be an expensive paperweight down the road.

I'm going to take Bill up on his very generous offer to hear the EE CDP. I will put it on the list of gear to hear on the 21st at my place. Thanks again, Bill.

Thanks,
Carl

Hantra · « **Reply #5 on:** 10 Feb 2004, 03:18 am »

I'll have to bring down the PC for you. Everyone who has heard it here has experienced shock and awe.

Rather fulfulling after Bushie left us hanging on that promise. . .

earlmarc · « **Reply #6 on:** 10 Feb 2004, 03:44 am »

I agree with the list of players J North mentioned. I don't know of any players at the $1000 price point that would better the Bel Canto DAC 2 with a modded DVD player. The DAC 2 is about the same price as the Eastern Electric Mini Max Player($1350). If you combined the price of a modded DVD player with the DAC 2 you are at approximately $1800. At this price point another new player comes to mind, and that is the new Naim CD5i at $1750. I think that these two players will be the next benchmark players at their respective prices. If you are seeking a smooth analog sound from a DAC to mate with your modded DVD player I would recommend that you look at Space Tech Labs DA64XT Tube DAC. Albert, the designer states this DAC does analog better than any MC catridge on the market. This DAC is priced at $1380.

Hantra · « **Reply #7 on:** 10 Feb 2004, 03:49 am »

Quote

At this price point another new player comes to mind, and that is the new Naim CD5i at $1750.

That Naim is one addictive CD player. I would hesitate to go with the 5i because one cannot add a power supply later to the i series. Sure, it's easier to get interconnects, but I'd rather mod out some interconnects, and not be stuck without a great upgrade path. . .

JackD · « **Reply #8 on:** 10 Feb 2004, 05:50 pm »

Carlman

Have you considered one of the modded Jolida JD-100 tube units. Contact Bill at Response and talk to him about it

Jack

Al Garay · « **Reply #9 on:** 11 Feb 2004, 04:47 am »

NAD C542
and you still have money to add a Ack! DAC.

a used Ayre CX-7

Al

Hantra · « **Reply #10 on:** 11 Feb 2004, 02:05 pm »

Quote

and you still have money to add a Ack! DAC.

Ack!!!! is what it will sound like too. . .

The CX-7 is GREAT! But if you can find one for $1,000 or less, I'll take 5.

drunkonjack · « **Reply #11 on:** 11 Feb 2004, 02:15 pm »

I'm using a AH ! Njoe Tjoeb And it sounds amazing ! I use too have a Music Hall mmf 5 turntable and I think this sounds as close too that as I've heard from a cd player and I'm not running the upsampler yet. I do have updraded tubes. and some other options. I think this is a bargain.

Hoots · « **Reply #12 on:** 12 Feb 2004, 03:03 pm »

I have the MMF-5. I want a SACD/cD player. I have sealed A-stock Denon 2900 but think I might do better for $1k with something else...or mod the Denon. external DAC ok.

Brad · « **Reply #13 on:** 12 Feb 2004, 05:50 pm »

Decware Modded SACD player $670

You could probably get into a Modwrighted player under a $k, too.

hometheaterdoc · « **Reply #14 on:** 12 Feb 2004, 06:18 pm »

Carlman,

{begin commercial post}

I know this will come off as extremely biased because I am a Bel Canto dealer. But you really need to hear a DAC2 and hear how incredible it can make a cheap transport sound. I have one right now being fed by a cheapo LiteOn DVD player and it is absolutely shocking to me how good it sounds. I really wasn't expecting it at all....

You're welcome to contact me to setup a demo since you're just down the road from me here in Raleigh.

</end commercial post>

As to the Phillips player, I don't know if I would rule it out just because of its price. I am passing along second hand information here, but I believe the Richmond audiophile society just did a blind shootout of transports, with everything from the Phillips to a tricked out Mark Levinson 3 box setup.... if I am retelling the story correctly, the Phillips was chosen as the first or second best sounding player..... just food for thought...

rosconey · « **Reply #15 on:** 12 Feb 2004, 06:51 pm »

the philips is a unreal steal for 80$

sunshinedawg · « **Reply #16 on:** 13 Feb 2004, 02:04 am »

doc,

Are the findings of the Richmond Audio Society shootout posted anywhere?

Carlman · « **Reply #17 on:** 13 Feb 2004, 02:16 am »

Quote from: hometheaterdoc

Carlman,

{begin commercial post}

I know this will come off as extremely biased because I am a Bel Canto dealer. But you really need to hear a DAC2 and hear how incredible it can make a cheap transport sound. I have one right now being fed by a cheapo LiteOn DVD player and it is absolutely shocking to me how good it sounds. I really wasn't expecting it at all....

You're welcome to contact me to setup a demo since you're just down the road from me here in Raleigh.

</end commercial post>
...

I've heard the BC DAC2. I heard it in a shootout about a year ago.. when I first started meeting fellow AC folks.

If you'd like, feel free to bring something over on the 21st. I'm having a gathering then mainly to compare some preamps but, am including a few other goodies. See the Critic's Circle or the NC Audiophiles Circle for more details. Or, I could bring over some of my gear to your place and make you a believer of some of the good stuff I've found here.

-C

ABEX · « **Reply #18 on:** 13 Feb 2004, 02:57 am »

I use an old Phillips CD-80 which has been with me since I worked for Sylvania when they were part of Phillips or vica-versa. Have not heard a transport yet that I really like better or is more reliable.Was looking to sell it or move up and glad I did not right now

Someone had stated on another BB that a bunch of Engineers got together at a Phillips convention or something and they agreed that the CDM-1 was the best Transport Mech they ever produced.

Now if I could get a good Multi-Player that does everything.

NealH · « **Reply #19 on:** 13 Feb 2004, 02:58 am »

hometheaterdoc, what Liteon player are you referring to, the 2001? I have heard this unit kicks butt even as a complete CD player.