jjss49
An update on your repair progress ?
Happy Listening!
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.
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.
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@jafant: it hasn't been delivered yet. I ordered through a dealer who gave me an excellent price, with no tax and no shipping. The unit is being made by Bryston and should be delivered around Christmas. I will certainly provide a full review when I get it. @gradyjames: thank you for your thoughts on the Technics. I really really considered buying one, and almost did. In the end, my decision came down to manufacturer and dealer support, and I'm confident that I made the right decision. Now the hard part is waiting for delivery ... |
Bryston's 20 year warranty only applies to it's analog amplifiers, not digital player's. The BCD-3's warranty is 5 year's, same as the Technics SL G-700. I do not own either but I do own the Technics ST G-30 Media Server/CD Ripper. I can give you first hand knowledge as to Technics build quality, it is beyond reproach. Both the BCD-3 and the SL G-700 use the same dac (AKM). My Technics ST G-30 sounds excellent. You've read the reviews on the SL G-700, same as myself, I'm thinking about one also. I know a couple online sites where I cannpick one up for $2999, whereas the Bryston BCD-3 goes for $3999. I'm also seriously thinking about a PS Audio Perfeçtwave CD Transport. Of course you or myself would need a separate dac. It's also XLR & I2S through HDMI enabled. It's your option. Either way you go, good luck & happy listening. JJG |
Actually, if you had read my initial post carefully, I was intent on buying either the Bryston or the Technics. I was looking for advice from people who had used either, or both (and looking for advice not just here). Between the date of my initial post, and the date I bought the Bryston, I received a lot of advice, and did a lot of research. Many of the responses here were about other players, or DACs, and that was to be expected. However, the only deduction you can reasonably make is that I set parameters, and stuck to them. But thanks for your observation. |
I can't comment on the BDA3 or the SL G-700, but I can comment on Technics model ST G-30 Music Server/CD Ripper. The sound is excellent and the build is beyond reproach. You really need to go by the list it sounds you already started. The BCD-3 is not SACD enabled, the SL G-700 is. The warranty on the Bryston is not the 20 year's I think someone commented on. It's 5 year's, same as the SL G-700. I know where you can pick up a SL G-700 for $2,999. I think the the BCD-3 goes for $3,764, or somewhere near there. I was thinking about a SL G-700 myself. Either that or a PS Audio Perfectwave CD Transport. I'm pretty sure your budget would cover a brand new one. Myself I'm lolling at good used one's. Either way, if you haven't took the plunge yet, I know I'm a little late chiming in but . . . happy listening. |
I can't comment on the Bryston BCD-3, or the Technics SL G-700, but I do own a Technics ST G-30. The sound is excellent & the build is beyond reproach. All you really need to do is count off what really matter's to you. The Bryston is not SACD, the Technics is. The warranty on the Bryston is not the famous 20 year, it's 5 year, same as the Technics. I know where you can pick brand new SL G-700's for $2,999, I'm pretty sure the Bryston goes 3,764, or somewhere near there. I know I was interested in the SL G-700 myself. Either that or a good used PS Audio Perfectwave CD Transport. I'm surprised your not thinking of a Perfeçtwave CD Transport yourself if you haven't already chosen yourself, I know I'm a little late chiming in. If you haven't then read up on on the PS Audio Perfectwave CD Transport, it's SACD and I2S through HDMI output enabled. Either way, good luck, & happy listening.
JJG |
CD's ONLY: I got solid confirmation regarding 'look no further' after listening for 4 hours last night with my friend/neighbor/music producer. If not streaming higher resolution content, just playing CDs, the DAC(s)/Additives of some CD Players do a great job. he brought music he just mixed, music he won a grammy for, and we played lots of my music, LP's and CD versions via the Integra CDC-3.4. He likes Peter Gabriel, Steamroller as a quick revealing test. I have favorites I find revealing. 1st round darn good, but ....then we tweaked the tweeters a bit higher with their L-Pads, then he pronounced the system sound, imaging, depth excellent. You can imagine how happy I was to hear that. I had been over-cautious with the tweeters, I got +/- 1.5db up to10k, then let the highs drop slowly from there. He heard that, I twirled the controls a speck at a time L & R, he listened and thinks we got it just right. He's interested to know what the meter says we did. Of course I will get L/R equal if they are not. I'm lucky to know him, a great guy, brought some good beer, told me some funny stories .... It's a shame it doesn't play SACDs. |
Well, I bought the Bryston BCD-3. Purchase was based on the opinions of owners; my own experience with Bryston products; and lots of reading and the exchanging of thoughts with multiple audio dealers. I'll provide a full report when I have a chance to finally listen, but the consensus of those with whom I spoke is that the BCD-3 is on a par with players that cost 10 times as much. And, Bryston will stand behind this product in the extremely unlikely event that there are problems. Thanks, all, for your comments and ideas. |
Highly recommend the Technics SL-G700. Picked one up 4 weeks ago. Build quality and hardware operation is excellent. Operating software fair / good - requires a google install. Sound quality if not reference, is damn near it on all discs SACD, Redbook and CD-MQA. Streaming quality on Tidal MQA is phenomenal. My setup is centered around a Yamaha RX-A8 preamp using balanced inputs, PS Audio Stellar 300 amp, Martinlogan 60XTi main speakers and a Martinlogan Dynamo 1600 sub. Hi bitrate MQA Tidal streams from this source sounds every bit as warm/musical as vinyl with zero noise, amazing dynamics and soundstage. Won't be disappointed with this unit at all if you can deal with clunky software. |
I would keep my eye on this link for CD players. CD Players & CD Transports Used and New Classifieds : Buy, Sell and Trade in America - US Audio Mart
BTW - I am listening to a 20 year old Sony SCD-1 SACD/CD as I type this playing CD of Santana’s Moonflower. What a great disc player. Especialy after the mods I did to it. I need to listen more to this player.
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Thanks, all, for the advice. As I mentioned originally, only a small portion (3%) of my discs are SACD. I would love to have true SACD capability, but not at double the price of a top red-book player. Having owned Bryston power for 24 years now, I trust their products, which is why I'm looking hard at the BCD-3. But I'm also looking hard at the Technics player, the SL-G700, which DOES offer true SACD playback (along with CD ... and streaming, which has no appeal for me). The warranties on both the Bryston and the Technics are the same, with the Technics being about $1000 less than the Bryston. Decisions decisions .... |
The Bryston DAC I have sounds great and I believe the CD player uses the same chips so that, certainly from my experience with their DAC, would be a great choice. I however agree that a transport and a separate DAC would give great flexibility and including an upgrade path were you just need to change out the DAC as that technology gets better. As mentioned the transport section is prone to issues as it ages so having to only replace a transport will be less expensive that one that includes your DAC. Another benefit, one day you may decide to stream your digital collection or even from a high end streaming service such as Qobuz or Tidal and the DAC will work into that arrangement nicely. I for one prefer separates over one box with everything in it. |
I can't speak for the Technics ST-G700 but I own the Technics ST-G30 Music Server/CD Ripper and the sound is excellent and the build is more than simply solid. I even bought used and I'm very happy with it. You have to remember that with the Bryston it's warranty on the BCD-3 is not the famous 20 year but 5 year, same as the Technics. JJG |
TO JJSS49, the ARC CD player I just bought is a CD2. Low mileage but all the advice on the laser and mechanicals is probably a good idea. I should probably just contact ARC to see if I can have the parts that age replaced. I also have an Audiophile version of a Mac Mini which has a nice USB DAC all by DB Audio. Sounds great and offers me the ability to have refined playback with huge playlists. But the CD's were numbering in the several hundreds without a player. Nice to have both |
i agree with this thinking... factory support is important, and i have learned (the hard way) that this is especially important for cd players, after having been burnt by marantz not stocking backup lasers for even their very expensive high end sacd players for repair purposes... anyone want a very expensive doorstop? i swear, it looks just like a $3,500 marantz sacd player 😂
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OP, reminder, it doesn’t play SACD. For me: forget my SACD’s (from my CD Quest) ......................................................................... ****** Integra CDC-3.4, Mark 2 ******** It’s BY FAR the WINNER! Last night I realized: It’s like I was given more than 4K new CDs free with the unit. The distinctness I described above just adds up in so many ways. It’s taken me a few years to get here, I am so glad I didn’t give up. I prowled the small clubs in NJ and NYC twice a week for live music for over 20 years. Yesterday I listened to many musicians/singers I have seen live and also many local musicians I know well. I couldn’t be happier. A great example, final one last night, is Willie Nelson, Teatro Album. One of my favorites, surprisingly better. New respect for Daniel Lanois and all the performers. .................................................. Denon 2910. Close but no Cigar. Like the Integra it is more distinct than the Sony, however it’s salad of dual burr brown dacs and Denon’s mix of additives: over sampling, clock, jitter, .... produces a slight brightness compared to the Integra. i.e. Emmylou Harris’s voice, Jose Feliciano strings, Melissa Etheridge, Tierney Sutton .... high frequency piano and violin notes, like many good individual things adding up, here that very slight aspect adds up. Others may love it. I have wide dispersion horn tweeters, just balanced via sound meter and new L-Pads, so, combined with the Denon’s excellent distinctness, these speakers reveal this slight brightness more than some speakers/systems/rooms might. It may sound terrific thru another system/speakers/space, the Integra could be a bit dull compared to the Denon in that situation. ................................................ I am done, and will keep my eye out for another Integra. MARK 2. I never heard mark 1, so I can only say great things about my Mark 2. How to know: It uses remote control rc-778c, ’squarer’ outside corners, and has a suffix letter M after the serial #. Newer date made is shown on serial number tag is also a hint. Original (unidentified as Mark 1) use remote rc-553c, same key layout, but rounded outside corners customer service should be able to tell you from the serial # |
Just bought a used Audio Research player after years of high end computer audio. I think it sounds fantastic but have always been an Audio Research fan. My main consideration in buying a mint used product was......are they still around and do they stand behind their products. That's just me. We all have our preferences. |
The issue isn't your CD player. It's in the DAC inside your CD player. Take the optical output into a good DAC and you're done. Balanced connectors are meaningliness unless you're running long lines. |
I recently bought a Cambridge Audio CD player for less than $500 new, which I like. However, my favorites are CD players from the 70's & 80's. The lasers are stronger and see thru scratches better than the new ones. Perhaps, find a good used CD player and a BlueRay player which seems to be able to decode SACD & DVD Audio. The problem is they are designed for 5 + channels or above. Run it into your tv and pull a stereo signal out of the tv, most require that they have a tv screen to see what you are doing. |
everyone I just posted my favorable comments about the Integra CDC-3.4 with dual Wolfson DACs here https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/better-cd-sound-the-search OP: it does not play SACD. Integra 8.5, dual DACs (same wolfsons?) does play SACD https://www.soundandvision.com/content/integra-dpc-85 ............................................ Denon 2910 with dual burr brown DACs: I put the new laser in the Denon 2910 Got it playing CD's, it does play SACD, but I need to find the magic combo of two allen head adjusters to get that. |
Thanks for all the great comments, everyone. I'm sure the new Esoterics will be fantastic, @fred60, but I imagine that they'll be about double or more the cost of the Bryston. @beeswax, yes, that's what I was thinking ... is true SACD worth another 3-4K ? Right now, I'm answering that as a "no" and the Bryston is in the lead. @tweak1: I'm so intrigued by the Technics! I wish I could trial it in my listening room! |
A strong vote here for the Bryston BCD-3. Also, I recently purchased the hybrid SACD/CDZ from Trio Mediaeval and the sound is simply gorgeous. You asked if we noticed the upgrade in musicality immediately, and, frankly, I was stunned at the improvement over what I had been using and thought was fantastic for years. I came very close to springing for a Luxman, like the D-05u. I love Luxman, but, in the end, I thought, "I don't really play SACD and I can get the hybrids and they sound great, plus I'm saving thousands of dollars and getting an absolutely impeccable redbook player." There is no arguing with the quality of the BCD-3. You can plug it in easy to a very high-end system and it's going to sound great. You can get different, and maybe somehow better (?), but at $4K you can't miss. |
