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Re: $800-1,000 CD player?
chesseroo #223955 10/05/08 04:32 PM
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[/quote]
But if you are partial to a particular aesthetic you have to pay for the looks[/quote]

Thanks so much for all of the insights. I have to say that the conversation is so focused on functionality that one might think no one in this community ever paid extra for a custom speaker finish! Either of the players I mentioned in my question would provide me some enjoyment beyond the sound. I'm into the gear itself to be sure. Understand that I get enormous pleasure (keep your wisecracks in check -- I can just see a "fondling" response coming!) from using my Contax cameras and Zeiss lenses. It's a matter of a super end product and great mechanical "things." I also want to say that I don't have money to burn. Not at all. Sometimes "gear lust" can be sensible over the long term. In the case of my photography equipment, everything works like it did the day I got it. All of that being said, beating up on me may have worked to save me $650! Thanks. I'm thinking that I would be more than satisfied with the Marantz CD5003, a new Redbook player announced along with the SA8003:
CD5003 * * NEW * * Single Disc CD Player | $349.99
Want elegant proof that Marantz has never forgotten the audiophile? Just take a look at the CD5003 single disc CD player. It delivers that signature Marantz combination of superb audio performance, refined cosmetics, and surprising flexibility. With circuitry refinements and parts selection directly traceable to our Reference Series and convenience features that make it ideal for both playing and learning music, the CD5003 is all you need to fully appreciate your favorite artists.
Sophisticated new aluminum/reinforced resin front panel
Analog audio circuits featuring HDAM®-SA2
High performance Cirrus Logic stereo D/A converter
Current-buffered headphone output
Audio EX mode for super-quiet performance
MP3/WMA playback capability
Variable pitch control
Adjustable Quick Replay
CD-Text, MP3/WMA tag data display
Independent gold plated analog output jacks

Re: $800-1,000 CD player?
bluray #223959 10/05/08 04:40 PM
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Hey, you want the sexy player, I can understand that. \:\)


I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
Re: $800-1,000 CD player?
Ken.C #223960 10/05/08 04:49 PM
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I understand completely, between my cd player (Sony C222ES) and digital to analog converter (MSB Link Dac 3) I have a good sum rapped up in what I think is a very good sounding front end.

Get what you want, wanting it is all that is needed for getting a player that pleases you.


Rick


"A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud

Re: $800-1,000 CD player?
bluray #223979 10/05/08 07:01 PM
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 Originally Posted By: bluray
from using my Contax cameras and Zeiss lenses. It's a matter of a super end product and great mechanical "things."
It's just that the camera products have a proven superior quality to them with the final product - the picture ie. less grain, better clarity etc., where as cd players simply transfer 1's and 0's to the receiver nothing more or less. The cheapest of cd players should be doing this the same way as the more expensive ones, albeit with less style and most likely parts that will die within a year or 2, it makes it hard for the average guy to spend $300-500 for a cd player, but as stated, you have to pay for the style.

Now I am guessing if you are to be sending the signal to a tube amp then the DAC's of the player come into question and you will be paying for the better DAC inside the player.

This has me thinking...how much of a difference does the D/A converter make to the quality of sound? Is this where the cost of the higher end players comes in?


Jason
M80 v2
VP160 v3
QS8 v2
PB13 Ultra
Denon 3808
Samsung 85" Q70
Re: $800-1,000 CD player?
jakewash #224003 10/06/08 02:05 AM
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Jason, modern DACs, as Alan has explained on several occasions, have represented a mature technology for a considerable period of time. The small measurable differences that exist within the offerings of the several manufacturers don't result in an audible difference, since even the typical chips(available to manufacturers in quantity for $1 or less each)near the lower end of their lines have dynamic range and related specs that are more than sufficient for the source material available and for human ears.

Outdated concepts such as agonizing over which DAC is better, or still creating a mystique in the name "Burr-Brown"(a division of Texas Instruments for almost ten years now)still abound in some discussions, of course, but there's no longer technological justification for them.


-----------------------------------

Enjoy the music, not the equipment.


Re: $800-1,000 CD player?
JohnK #224007 10/06/08 02:10 AM
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That was what I suspected but I thought I would ask, Thanks John.


Jason
M80 v2
VP160 v3
QS8 v2
PB13 Ultra
Denon 3808
Samsung 85" Q70
Re: $800-1,000 CD player?
DaveG #224051 10/06/08 06:27 AM
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Well, that's a pretty ugly CDP you've got there Chess.

I have to respectfully disagree with the idea that all CDPs sound the same. I've heard some dedicated transports and outboard DACs which sound pretty terrific. I like the sound from the Ah! Njoe Tjoeb tube output CDP. The Marantz universal players have been very favorably reviewed as have the Oppo 983H ($399) and the $169 Oppo 980H, Sony SCD-CE595, Onkyo DX-7555, and, of course, the Sony Playstation PS1. The prices for these super performing CD players range from $30 (used) to about $1000.

However, if it's good looks as well as good sound you're listening out for, try the Shanling.




Enjoy the Music. Trust your ears. Laugh at Folks Who Claim to Know it All.
Re: $800-1,000 CD player?
2x6spds #224098 10/06/08 09:58 PM
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That Shanling looks neat as heck, if I *had* the 2k bucks to lay down on one, I'd probably do it.


Rick
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Re: $800-1,000 CD player?
RickF #224100 10/06/08 10:27 PM
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Hmmm, new cd player @ 2K or a real nice smoker. It seems like a coin toss to me \:\)


Rick


"A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." Sigmund Freud

Re: $800-1,000 CD player?
Wid #224102 10/06/08 10:43 PM
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I don't know about that one Rick, the 'F' Foundation's chief finance officer may have something to say about that, probably something very similar to ... "I don't *think* so big fella."

I can't complain though, she has steered me straight for 27 years (in 4 days...and I remembered!).


Rick
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