Best CD Player under $1200

The ARCAM units with the dsc Ring DAC are the following models (from most expensive to least expensive):
Arcam FMJ CD23
Arcam Diva CD92T
Arcam Diva CD92
Arcam Alpha 9

All the above machines are not longer current models so you would have to buy them used. I personally, would not look at the non-Ring-DAC models you've listed (CD73 or CD192).
If you do end up getting one of the Arcams, you MUST order a cd mat from music direct as well. I had previously owned an ARCAM CD92...and with the use of a good cd mat, the sound approaches that of my current Ayre C-5xe!

I've also heard good things about the Rega Apollo, but have yet to audition one.

calgarian

Try a used Sony XA7ES. It's under $1,000 and sounds better to the Arcam units to my ears. The Arcam seems to be the best of the bunch in your list.

Sony cdp XA7 es or a little less overall in musical performance cd 120 linear

Don't know if its the "best" but if I bought a used player under $1,000 I would side with several of the comments above and opt for the Arcam FMJ 23.

Get the Quad cdp-2, you will not regret it. It looks a bit odd but is well built and sounds fantastic.

for me also the Esound E-5 is a winner - built and performance way above it's price tag

I have a Creek CD 50 Mk II. It cost $1500 new but can be had for about $700-900 used, when available. It has some very nice sound characteristics: a great sound stage, lots of detail and very neutral.

I agree with TPK123, Esound CD-E5 Signature is one of the best sounding, best built, CD players that one can buy brand new for under $1200... actually $878 new, shipped express from an online distributor.

Any Arcam as long as it has Ring dac

audio aero prima - around $1200

Here are my rankings of CD players I have had from "best" to "worst" in MY system. Your mileage may vary:

Sound Quest SQ-12
Consonance CD-120
Cambridge Audio 640C (v1)
Arcam CD-73T
Music Hall CD-25 (v1)
Rega Planet 2000
Original Rega Planet
AH! Njoe Tjoeb 4000

I were adding a CD player to any of my second systems I'd prefer to get another SQ-12. But, given that money doesn't seem to be growing on trees at my house, depending on the system I was putting it in (matching sound of player to the system), and price I could get it for, I would happily purchase any of these again - except the Njoe Tjoeb (not sure I'd take one if I were getting it for free, no offense intended to the Njoe Tjoeb fans out there).

Enjoy!
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Hard to say what is best--there are so many!!! The best I have heard new at that price is the Soundquest SQ-12.The Music Hall 25 mk.II is excellent at half that price.You should also be able to get the Raysonic 128 used for $1200-$1300.

Agree with Mcpody. You should also consider the early Cary 300-100 or the Resolution Audio CD-55. Both are as good as you'll find at this price point.

Esound E5

See if you can score an Arcam 23 with the ring dac. They go around $1,200 used. Best out there.

the arcam and the cambridge are both excellent.