Advice needed re: new CD player purchase


Hello everyone. New member but long-time lurker here. My system: Bryston 4B-ST amp, Bryston BP25 preamp, and Meridian 508.24 CD player (all purchased in 1998 and all performing flawlessly), Kimber KCAG balanced interconnects, Audioquest speaker cable, and Esoteric power cords. I have Thiel CS2.4 loudspeakers.

I have about 4500 CDs (about 3% of which are hybrid SACDs). I love my system, but I want a new CD player. Am I right to think that advances in audio technology over the last 24 years have left my Meridian in the dust, sonically speaking? So I have been looking at various players. A few parameters: I will only buy new; I want XLR outputs; and I’d prefer to not spend over 5k.

I’m looking hard at the Bryston BCD-3, and the Technics SL-G700. Having owned Bryston products now for almost 24 years, I’m extremely impressed by their build quality and performance. However, the BCD-3 is not an SACD player. I’ve read a few solid reviews of the Technics, but I’m suspicious of their long-term reliability. There are no dealers where I live or within 200 miles. I looked at the Marantz line, and their only player with balanced outputs is the SA-10, which I’ve heard is awesome but I’m unwilling, at this point, to pay $7500 (although my mind is not closed on the matter).

Anyone here have either the Bryston or the Technics player? Will I notice a marked improvement with a new player (as compared to my 508.24)? Like most of you, this is my life. After work, I listen 2-3 hours per day, sometimes more on weekends. Thanks in advance for your advices.
jeroboam

Showing 14 responses by jafant

jjss49

 

Excellent! Keep me posted on progress. Let me know for further assistance.

 

Happy Listening!

jeroboam

 

Outstanding! I am looking forward to your initial impressions and thought on the BCD-3 player.

 

Happy Listening!

gradyjames

 

Yes, Bryston offers 5-years warranty on the BCD-3. Plus, actually stocks critical parts for this model (unlike the original BCD-1).

 

Happy Listening!

slbjbb

 

Nice score! on the ARC player. Which model did you purchase? A hot tip-

go ahead and purchase a back-up drive(transport) and Laser (optical) block for future repair.

 

Happy Listening!

jjss49

 

Which model Marantz SACD player?  Which player(s) do you own currently?

 

Happy Listening!

lucky_doggg7

 

Excellent score! on the Luxman D-03x. Keep us posted as you massge this player into your System.

 

Happy Listening!

vassilis_t
You are my kind of Audiophile- testing 10 spinners over 18 months!Incredible!
Happy Listening!
sbank
Another +vote for Wadia. The fan base is certainly there for a Renaissance.
Happy Listening!
jeroboam
Join Us over on the Thiel Owners thread. Good to see another CS 2.4 fan.
Happy Listening!