Questions for CD playback

[Duke of Prunes]

Hello. I've been wondering what I should get to replace my CD player. I know it probably won't be very soon, but I'll ask now. I would like to get an analog-ish sound. I've heard that Rega Planets are good for this warm sound, etc.

So, how about SACD players? Are there any for LOWER prices that would give me a similar sound for CD playback? Anticipated?

How about this. Are there any CD players out there that would be described in sound quality like the Rega and have HDCD? The Rega doesn't, does it? Can anyone also advise on resolution revealed by the Rega and by similar players?

Can anyone suggest any other players that might give me a smooth, non-fatiguing sound that would be comparable? Remember, I'm on tight monetary restrictions here.

Thanks!
Rob

[Blair G.]

Though I did not buy the Rega Planet 2000 I had one on an extended demo in my home and loved it. In fact, I'm starting to think my eventual choice (an Arcam) was a mistake and may go back to the Rega. I would have bought one for sure if it had HDCD.
All Rotel models have HDCD. They aren't exactly 'Rega-like' in sound but are very nice nonethless. The discontinued RCD-991 with adjustable dither was the best. Even the Rotel rep I recently met in Seattle admitted to me it was better than the the RCD-1070 that replaced it. He says there are still a few 991's in the pipeline, I think list is $899. You would have to check with a dealer or contact Equity International, the distributor.

The Creek CD43Mk.II is also nice. No HDCD but probably closest to the Rega in terms of having that analog sound. Not sure about the price in the US. A very unassuming little player that I could easily live with.

The Classe CDP .3 also has HDCD. Also very analog but, If I recall, more expensive than the Rega and not necessarily better.

Cambridge D500SE is less money but very highly regarded. Again, no HDCD but many dealers swear it compares favourably with players much more expensive.

I went with Arcam (CD72) for a number of reason. I found it much more open, without being nasty. Matched with the right cables it sounds wonderful. (I found the Rega could sound somewhat cluttered with complex passages or dull recordings). But it (the Arcam) despite its strengths, still doesn't have the rhythm or the warmth of the Rega. Vocals and saxes were especially good with the Rega.

Arcam also has a new model coming, the CD82T, that may be in the price range too, US$1200. It uses Wolfson DAC's (same brand as in the Rega, though not exactly the same chip) instead of Burr Browns and initial reports say its an improvement in the rhythm department. No HDCD though.

I spent a long time testing CD players in this range. Let me know if you have any more questions.

[Duke of Prunes]

Gee wiz, thanks. Some nice pointers to start with for me. Ok, one particular comment/appeal.

First, now if you say that the Rega can sound a bit "cluttered" with complex passages, maybe I should change my emphasis. I will be playing a lot of very very complex music, meaning that I really do want good separation, detail, resolution etc. I emphasized the analog quality because probably the thing I appreciate most is a smooth, warm, non-fatiguing sound (that is important), but maybe I should now say that the most important thing is that my CDs don't sound cluttered (lots of very wonderfully complex, dense stuff like Zappa in there). Any advice?

Those are all similar pricewise? Don't go higher than that general price range for more suggestions, please.

Thanks!

[Blair G.]

The price issue is hard for me to address. I'm in Canada and the prices between here and the US don't always equate. For example, with Arcam our prices are actually considerably cheaper than the US once you factor in exchange rates. Same with the Rega which is $950 list in the US. That's $1500CDN, the list price up her is $1299 or $830US.
The Arcam CD72T @ $799US and the Rotel RCD-991 (if you can find one)
@ $899US would both be cheaper than the Rega. Cambridge would the cheapest of all, don't know the US retail.
Cluttered may not be the correct term in describing the Rega sound. There is less separation between instruments with the Planet. That is more noticeable on a recording where there is a lot going on, as opposed to an acoustic jazz piece where there might only be three instruments recorded live in the studio. This isn't really a problem, just an observation. On the other side of the coin, the Rega is more centered and cohesive, meaning everything seems to fit together better, nothing jumps out at you in an annoying way. If that's what you're looking for then it may the player for you.
It is definitely the least fatiguing player I have ever heard and I say that with high praise. It just seemed to me that warmth was at the expense of a little bit of 'air' in the recording. Again, a matter of preference. Depends on the system too, especially speakers and cables. If you have a relatively bright or detailed speaker then Rega would likely be a good choice.
Listen to one at home if at all possible. A good dealer should let you do that. The demo unit will be broken in, it will sound better than one right out of the box.
I'm not knocking the Rega. In fact, I kind of regret not getting one because though I like the increased 'openness' of the Arcam, I definitely yearn for the warm analog sound of the Rega. But then again, I'd say just the opposite about the Arcam if I'd bought the Rega, right ? I think they call it "Buyers Remorse".

You listen to Zappa...excellent. I got into him big time when Sheik Yerbouti and Joe's Garage came out. I have tons of LPs and CDs by him but haven't listened in awhile. Shame on me.

[Duke of Prunes]

Ok, thanks. I mentioned Zappa because it would be the best example of density of music that I listen to - not to mention I listen to all of his music about 95% of the time.

So, out of all those players, would you recommend any in particular for separation between instruments or detail?

I will audition stuff, but this is of interest right now. Thanks for advice, Blair.
Rob

PS if you're into FZ, you should check out the great newly revamped site at www.zappa.com, and check out the forum, where I go by 'dancin fool' for no reason at all.

[jligon]

I usually stay away from bashing stereo equipment on the Internet because it seems like almost everyone out there with a strong opinion (positive or negative) sounds like they have something to gain by convincing others.
But I have to tell you (IMO) that if you're looking for warmth from a CD player, the Rega is not the way to go. A local stereo dealer sells both the Rega and the Jolida tubed CD player and there was no comparison when we A/B'd them. I eventually bought an Ah! 4000 and took it in to compare and, again, the tubed CD players sounded much smoother and analog to me, as well as the owner of the store. The Rega sounded very clinical in comparison.
I'd give one of these, or some of the other tubed CD players a look if you want warmth from your CDs. Unless you already have an all tube system (even then, I would still look at them) this is the way I would go.

[Blair G.]

I would agree that the Rega would likely sound clinical in comparison to a tubed player.
The initial conversation started with the Rega and went from there. I can only comment on the players I auditioned, an admittedly small sampling of what is available. The Rega is the warmest of the players I listened to, with the Creek probably a fairly close second. I have not heard the Jolida of the Ah! Tjoeb.
Detail is a subjective thing in my opinion. My brother likes what I consider to be excessive detail (treble control at 3 o'clock). He thinks my system is dull. Other variables include the room, cables, speakers, the recording etc.
The detail was very nice on the Rega IMHO, as it is on the Arcam I bought.
Listening for yourself is the only way to know for sure. None of the players lacked detail. The difference was often in other areas (like soundstage, bass). I know this all sounds vague but their isn't a "right" answer.
Go out and listen. That's the best advice I can give. And don't hesitate to give other suggestions a try, including the two models jligon mentions. I'm going to search out the Jolida myslef.