Help me choose a CD player!

[Gary]

Having found Grover interconnects, my quest for interconnects is over and it's time to look at the next step in the ultimate quest. :D

I might consider a CDP and I am looking in the (mostly) used market to try to get the most bang for my buck.The following all cost around $1,000.00. Alternatives would be a MSB DAC or other such device to go with the existing Sony 775.

Here are the contenders:

Classe CDP3 (with HDCD)
Rega Planet
Primare D20 CDP
Roksan transport with a DAC (that I'll have to buy separately)

Any comments? Normally I'd think of upgrading the SACD machine but there is not much in my price range.

Thanks!

[audio]

How about the Music Hall CD 25 or the Heart CD 6000 tube cd player?

[Gary]

They are not readily available at the local store but the above are! And I am running tubes so I really don't care if the CDP has a tube like sound since the pre and the amp should do that for me.

Or is that twisted thinking???

[Dave]

The Classe' Gary!;)

[Ron Stone]

One thing to consider is the Rega's top-loading design (assuming this is the 2000 update), which requires a counter or a top shelf, and possibly more handling than you may want for switching discs.

On the other hand, it does receive rave reviews for its sound. And it sure do look cool! The silver fascia would go well with your, uh, evening wear?

[Gary]

Yes, I've seen the top loading, Star Trek like design of the Rega! I was told that the Rega Jupiter was a better machine and more akin to Classe!

But, Ron, think of this: Pink pumps and silver? Really! :rolleyes:

:D

Seriously, thanks for your comments. The TT is in the upper position on the rack but there is plenty of room for a top loading CD machine on the first shelf.

As for switching discs ... audiophile thinking here.... the less useless electronics in the machine (for switching discs, rotating the platter, etc.) the better. So I don't mind getting up to flip discs!

[Ron Stone]

Originally posted by Gary
But, Ron, think of this: Pink pumps and silver? . . As for switching discs . . . the less useless electronics in the machine (for switching discs, rotating the platter, etc.) the better. So I don't mind getting up to flip discs!

I meant the Rega might have one of those clamp/pucks that has to be handled every time you change discs, but I don't remember. Since you're used to handling vinyl, it wouldn't be a big deal anyway.

No silver and pink? C'mon, Dorothy -- time to get out of the provinces and live life Manhattan-style, baby!

[cunningham]

I have a Planet and am very pleased with it. I would be curious about the Jupiter. It can be found used sometimes just over the 1k mark. I bought my Planet used for 600 by the way, and am glad I did.

[BradOlson]

In between the CD players in my bedroom that I have I like the CD player that's part of my MD deck the best as I like a lot of functionality.

[EC3970]

The planet is nice, I've been happy with mine. Simple operation, top loading is cool (don't need to turn the machine on to retrieve a disc ) The digital output straight to my CD burner is nice. Sound is actually not as warm as my old NAD, but certainly not harsh.

no complaints.

except for the usual "some functions only accessable with remote" thing

[Jeffrey]

Hi,

I'm VERY happy w/ my Planet 2000! :thumbsup:

-Jeffrey

[Sckott]

For high end, the Planet is tough to beat....

[teaser5]

I love my Arcam FMJ Series. It's more money than you are talking about but worth it IMO.

http://www.arcam.co.uk

Cheers!
Norm

[Richard Feirstein]

Actually some of the Sony SACD/DVD players provide truly top quality CD performance at a very very good price.

Richard.

[Gary]

Such as....???

I have the 775 and it's pretty good at redbook. But I always womder if there is something better out there.....

[Gary]

Originally posted by cbsolson
In between the CD players in my bedroom that I have I like the CD player that's part of my MD deck the best as I like a lot of functionality.

CB, is your MD deck the "Mini Disc" deck?

And it plays CDs??

[AudioEnz]

Originally posted by Gary
I have the 775 and it's pretty good at redbook. But I always womder if there is something better out there.....

Gary, there's always something that will be better in some way than what you have or whatever you may buy.

Whether it's better overall for you is another matter...

[Gary]

Yea, you're right. :(

I guess I'll have to gater up my scheckles, pack my 775 and drag everything to Yee Olde Stereoe Shoppe for some fun!

After I find a place that sells the Music Hall CD25, that is! :)

[BradOlson]

Yes, MD=MiniDisc. and it does play CDs as well. It is a CD/MiniDisc combo player.

[BradOlson]

http://www.sel.sony.com/SEL/consumer/ss5/home/homeaudio/minidiscdigitalrecorders/mxd-d40.shtml has the information on the player you need to know. This will be an ultimate upgrade to your system and it will get you into recording audio all over again using a format superior to cassette. The A/D conversion on this MD deck is excellent as well.

[Dave]

Bradley, the page doesn't load.

[Gary]

Thanks, CB. The link works now!

[Ben]

Originally posted by Gary
Yea, you're right. :(

I guess I'll have to gater up my scheckles, pack my 775 and drag everything to Yee Olde Stereoe Shoppe for some fun!

After I find a place that sells the Music Hall CD25, that is! :)

Gary....just be careful about Music Hall....I have had spotty service and response experiences with them...mid-level gear with pretty fascia is where I place them on the food chain.

I'll say this - for an "audio" company, they do a great job of marketing their lines....great marketing. They hype and "visibility" of the brand is very prominent in the audiophile community...I'm not so sure their products live up to the spin...

Be aware that they don't manufacture anything they sell - tt's are Project models, east European built, the Creek line is made by Mike Creek & Co. in the U.K. and these CD players we've seen from them over the last couple of years - who the heck knows where they come from?


Rega Planet 2000,


Ben

[Dave]

Gary,

With all the responses you are receiving in regards to the Rega Planet my suggestion would be to compare it to the Classe. Hopefully you remember how my Classe amp sounds, not bad for a bottom of the line. Classe has been in the audiophile game for a very long time, much, much longer than Music Hall. As you most likely are aware of by now....Classe's bottom of line CDP starts at around $1500.00 US. as compared to Rega's $400.00 US.

Something for you to possibly consider as well is that if you ever have a problem with any Classe product their service is unbeatable including paying all shipping costs if repairs are ever required when purchased through a retailer new. Also they are home stationed in Quebec IIRC.

[Gary]

Thank you, all!

Luckily, the players listed on my first post are all in one shop so it should be easy to A/B/C/D them!

I understand that the Primare is Swedish or something.

Well this'll be fun! :)