CD Changer advice


I'm looking into a CD chnager as a replacement to an 11-yr old Sony single player. I'd like to check out HDCD and I can spend about $1K. This presents a few options: First, buy one of the two 'audiophile' integrated units (CAL CL-10 or Anthem CD-1) out there, BOTH of which are now out of production, both of which can be found for around a grand here. Second, pick up a credible mid-fi rig (Denon does a decent HDCD 5CD carousel) and add an outboard DAC (Bel Canto, CAL Sigma 24/96) to it. Any thoughts on either path? Changer or DAC recommenations? Reservations about buying the out-of-production units? Lastly, if I went with separates, would it matter where the HDCD filter is - transport or DAC? I'm not sure if the filter is used during D/A conversion (requiring an HDCD DAC)or if it affects the digital signal picked up as the transport reads the CD (requiring an HDCD transport). Thanks!
powerste

Showing 1 response by ljgj

I own the CL 10 and have owned the Anthem. The 10 is a better unit - the Anthem is very noisy when changing and is not a smooth operator. The 10 is very smooth and quick - it also has various digital out options for upgrading the DAC but is good in its own right.