Acceptable CD players
Posted by: John on 11 November 2001
Hi, I recent made my way back to vinyl and am blown away by how much more enjoyable it is. I am considering down grading my CD source and upgrade the performance of my TT with a Naim prefix and maybe better cartridge. I have a CDS1, 52/Super, 135's, SBLs. My TT is a Rega P9/Benz M2. I have all my black boxes on Mana and would like to know if there are any acceptable players below the CDS1 that also might respond well to Mana? My acceptable level of consideration would be the removal of all negative aspects of digital as the 52 is very revealing. The CDS1 is a great player but are there any other acceptable players below this? The CDS1 is very analogue sounding but can this be achieved or partially achieved with a lower end CD player? The economic loss of downgrading isn't a consideration as I bought the CDS1 used.
Any input is appreciated.
John
Posted on: 11 November 2001 by Tuan
All CD players have digital sound characteristics especially solid state CD players. If you want to experience the more analogue like CD players you may want some hybrid design (with tube). One of the best hybrid audio line is Sonic Frontiers. You want want to head in that direction.
Posted on: 12 November 2001 by Alex S.
Needs concrete boots to perform.
Frank should know.
Alex.
PS In Mr Pig's world there are no acceptable CDPs, in mine only one: The CDS2 - Have you considered upgrading instead of downgrading? Naim do a very good deal on CDS1-CDS2 metamorphosis.
Posted on: 12 November 2001 by Phil Barry
With the possible exception of the CDSs, all the players I've heard have had digititis, or they've cured the digititis by softening everything - but
I haven't heard every CD player.
Phil.
Posted on: 12 November 2001 by Jez Quigley
A Karik at £500 is likely to be one of the earlier (less good) models. If you were to go for a Karik, make it the III which is an amazing bargain at around £800.
I edited the above as upon re-reading it was misleading.
[This message was edited by Jez Quigley on MONDAY 12 November 2001 at 16:20.]
Posted on: 12 November 2001 by Arun Mehan
John, I think Alex gave you the best advice. Phil is also giving you a large hint. If you don't want to go down that route, my recommendation is stick with the CDS. It's one of the best CD players out there and since you bought it used, you don't have too much of your funds tied up with it. Selling it might not give you as much as you think. You can do far worse than a Naim CDS you know
I'm sure your vinyl sounds wonderful to you but there will always be some software that you just can't purchase on vinyl and then you'll cringe when you try to play it on your downgraded CD player. Stay away from the 'downgrade' bug, there's no antibiotic for it.
Posted on: 12 November 2001 by Andrew Randle
Try the Karik against the Genki. I prefer the Genki.
Andrew
Andrew Randle
2B || !2B;
4 ^ = ?;
Posted on: 12 November 2001 by Jez Quigley
Lovable chap that he is, I have to disagree strongly with Andrew on this one. IMHO the Genki doesn't come close to a late Karik, and that disc tray!, ye gods, naff £35 cd-rom players from Dixons have better.
Posted on: 13 November 2001 by John
Thanks for the input everyone, I guess its best to stick with the CDS1 for now and when I have time I will audition some of the lower end players. Sounds like I should consider a Linn player. I remember when I upgraded to the CDX/XPS I became aware of the conflict between dynamics and the smoothness with lower end players. I was hoping that maybe the technology on the lower players has advanced. I am not interested in upgrading to the CDS2 because there are aspects of it's presentation I don't like. It's a good player but it's not my taste.
John
Posted on: 13 November 2001 by Martin Payne
quote:
Originally posted by Frank Rizzo:
Mind you, my hearing's a bit 'shot'. In my profession sudden loud bangs are commonplace, and Luigi's don't usually admit 'diners' wearing ear defenders.
Ah, all is explained - you're a hit man!
Martin
