Absolute Best CD Players Out There Under $12k ?

I agree that there really is no "best" at this level. I've heard most of the players on your list, and I chose the EMM Labs DCC2/CDSD combo. (The DAC6/CDSD would work equally well if you don't need a processor.) It's the most revealing, accurate, and musical digital front end I've ever heard, though some might prefer the Reimyo's softer presentation. Try to audition as many as you can, and make up your own mind.

Rmaurin:

I've heard both in my system, and I preferred the EMM. It was a close call, but I thought it was more dynamic, a little more resolving, and a bit more "accurate" sounding. The Reimyo, to my ears at least, was warmer and had a little bit of tizz up top that I didn't like. But, remember, that's in MY system. I don't think you can lose either way, as both units represent the absolute state of the art in digital reproduction. In my system, and with my listening priorities, I liked the EMM a little better.

Whitewind:

The dCS gear is absolutely state of the art, but it's interesting: I had the exact opposite impression as you. I compared the full dCS stack with the EMM DCC2/CDSD combo in my system, and I thought the EMM had superior resolution and dynamics, and was a good deal more natural sounding. (I find that it's stunning clarity often gets confused with coldness or brightness.) Also, the EMM accomplishes with two components what the dCS needs four to do. That's not a small consideration for the space-challenged among us. Just my humble opinion, of course.

Deb:

To whom are you referring as the man who has to "resort to self-promotion like the one is obviously doing at every lame opportunity here." I'd be curious to know.

Whitewind:

Yeah, I listened to the older dCS stack. I have to try to audition the new setup or find someone who has it. I've heard a number of people accuse the Meitner of being "thin" or "analytical." I certainly wouldn't call it warm or lush, but I think that "cold" sound that many hear is the unit's awesome accuracy. That's just my opinion, of course, and many will probably disagree. To my ears at least, the EMM is very natural sounding, but it isn't warm, and it's super-revealing nature might turn some off. By the way, the EMM's SACD playback is absolutely stunning. It's the best I've heard by far, but I can't claim to have heard everything out there. In addition: Were you listening to the EMM with the Phillips transport or the CDSD? The Phillips was pretty mediocre; the CDSD is in another universe altogether.

Alex: I was seriously considering the Zanden setup--much to the chagrin of my bankbook, I might add--before I came across the Meitner. I had a chance to audition both in my boss's system (the EMM was using the CDSD transport, which is a quantum improvement over the Phillips, as you probably know). While I loved certain things about the Zanden--notably it's ease of presentation and overall naturalness--it was a bit TOO warm and "slow" for my taste. The EMM had equivalent or superior transparency and resolution, and was a bit faster on transients, IMHO. And this was listening on redbook. I know a few people who own the Zanden, and they rave about it--and I can certainly see why. It just wasn't my cup of tea. And, at this price level, ya gotta follow your instincts. By the way, I love your products. I've heard several of them at various people's houses, and I've been consistently impressed. Congrats on bringing SOTA performance to the masses.

No1willfan:

A lot of EMM owners are using either tube preamps or tube amps. Personally, I prefer good solid state, but if you like the warmth and naturalness of tubes in your system, I think they're a good match with the EMM. As you say, it might help to warm things up, if that's your preference.

Whitewind:

Fair enough. There are certainly a lot of different ways up the audio mountain, and I don't think one is necessarily more valid than any other. The Meitner certainly isn't infallible--nothing is--and there are plenty of other, equally deserving options out there. Good luck!

>>"I tell it like it is. Humility and diplomacy are for politicians and weaklings."

What an absolutely stupid comment. Did you fire up all two brain cells to come up with that one? If you reflected before you wrote, you'd realize that humility and diplomacy are the province of the strong and wise. I've made A LOT of friends by being humble, diplomatic, and helpful. Just check my posts. By the way, for someone so critical, I find it curious that you haven't posted your system. Afraid to have some of that criticism turned back on you?