CDi or Planner 3 dilema

I'm pretty sure the CDI can't be upgraded with a *cap. What you get is what you're stuck with..

Hmmm transport is an issue but may try to negotiate price on this premise. I've asked them to be set up side by side to try and get a direct comparison. If there is not much in it i think I'll wait and get a CDX.

Had the CDi on a home dem for the last and I have to say it sounded fantastic.

Cheers all

Martin,

FWIW, I would go for both the CDI and a used Planar 3 as the most cost effective short (or long) term compromise.

Using my trusty patented Lonorgan 'No Cost Upgrades Calculator' I see that both products can be purchased and enjoyed for many moons without cost to you (yes, it has a lunar scale!) assuming that you eventually trade up to something newer (possibly even brand new).

That way your existing vinyl will still get aired and enjoyed and your CDs will sound better than you ever imagined.

You may then find yourself in a better position to decide what format, if any, to pursue further and purchase a P9/LP12 and/or CDX/CDS at a later date (well that is what Tony's older calculator says anyway).

BTW, the Planar 3 is about the safest second hand buy around. I do imagine that they can be had dirt cheap at Bournemouth boot sales (just kidding, try Loot).

Make sure to visually inspect the spindle hubs Nextel ring and listen carefully for any spindle motor peeping noises during muted play. If the Nextel is good and the motor is quiet then the transport likely has some good years left in it yet.

Then run home and start scouring Loot for a nice lovingly care for Rega while hearing what is really on your CDs for the first time.

You know it makes sense.

Craig
PS. You've already bought it haven't you?

Cheers Craig.

I can only afford one at the moment unfortunately. The CDi sounded v v good but I'm wondering about waiting for a while to go the CDX route so i can have flexibility on upgrading etc. I may well be a t home with a P3 tonight and i have to say it will be nice to get the records out after many years away. I'll get it from the dealer rather than loot, they have been helpful as ever and vinyl is a black art to me! Bit of back up if I need it will be appriciated.

Right I'm off wish me luck!
Martin

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Originally posted by Martinm:

Right I'm off wish me luck!

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Go for the CDi and also get a cheap TT from Ebay. There are usually decent old Thorens etc. on there that IMHO will outperform a P3 at less cost.

Regards
Steve

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The CDi sounded v v good but I'm wondering about waiting for a while to go the CDX route so i can have flexibility on upgrading etc.

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Martin,

The question is: are you prepared/able to pay for an XPS? This is the only way to upgrade from CDX.
If you don't plan to invest huge sums of money in your stereo in the very near future, I would consider the CDI seriously on the condition that the transport is in a (very) good condition. If not, you won't be able to play certain tracks/CDs and sooner of later you'll have to replace the transport. If you add the money for a transport replacement, it might be more interesting to go for a used CDX right away.
A friend of mine has a CDI. He compared it to the CDX and preferred his CDI, especially taking into account the price difference, but he experiences problems playing certain CDs.

Ciao!

Willem

Well i took the plunge with........... a P3 and it's fantastic! I'm happy as the proverbial pig.

Had another listen to them both in the shop and didn't think there was much between them (cost decided in the end). i have got it home however, and i now know what you vinylists are all talking about. It just sounds right. Might not have quite the detail of the CDi but it is soooo involving.

It's going to be a late one.


Martin

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It just sounds right.

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Welcome to the club. Go buy more vinyl NOW!

Tony.

I have demod a P25 (mine) against a P3 with the same cart - an Elys.

The P3 lost the timing on Foreigner's I want to know what love is big time once the choir kicked in.

That did not happen on my CD5 with the CD version of that track or with the P25.

IMHO, a P3 is better than a Planet, but is beaten by a CD5 or a Jupiter.

The P25 is on a par with a CD5/Hi-cap.

I haven't heard a CDI, so I cannot comment on its performance versus the P3.

Regards,

Steve.

The proof of the pudding...

Morning all,

All I can say is wow and owwww. Ist for the deck 2nd for the hangover!

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The P3 lost the timing on Foreigner's I want to know what love is big time once the choir kicked in.

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That is just the deck attempting to commit suicide.

Tony.

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That is just the deck attempting to commit suicide.

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LOL
Martin

This is a no brainer, go with the deck.

I came out of this weekend 13 records better off for around 30 quid. Am listening to hotel calafornia, it cost me two quid so i thought what they hey. It sounds fantastic the symbols crashing in the left, bass to the right, lovely.

Of course this may be down to the naspc I stuck in this weekend, but I can't be arsed to remove it to check.

Anyhoo, get the deck, vinyl is cheap, and god help me with a decent cartridge it sounds better than my CDi, there I have said it.

I don't see how a music lover can live without a turntable. Great used records are available for so little money and so many great vintage recordings are only available on vinyl. This encourages one to explore new music that they might not want to risk the cash on a CD to purchase.

I have a planer 3 and a rega planet and the difference is astounding. I don't know about all the Hi Fi stuff but the vinyl just sounds so right compared to the CD. The other night put on my CD of Jim Hall/Ron Carter "Alone Together". Got bored after a few minutes and thought I would try my old scratchy record. Listened through both sides ticks, pops, and all. Now I know a planet is not remotely in the same league as a CDi - which I would love to own - but I demoed my planet against a Linn Karik just for interest and the difference was IMHO subtle compared to the difference between my P3 and planet.

If you don't like the P3 you can always sell it for what you payed if secondhand. Its an audio no-risk no-brainer IMO.

Cheers.
Garth

I've just played the P3 to some very non hi-fi people. Very impresed was the response. A phrase that came out summed it up perfectly, "it sounds completely natural". I thought this was a fantasic way of describing the difference. CD can sound really impressive, but with my short term journey into vinyl I like the way this was described.

Just a note to add the CDi did sound fantastic, and when funds afford I think my CD collection deserves something like this!

Martin