CD player to go with Simaudio I-7 integrated amp

Ayre is one I will be looking at. The Primare is really good stuff. Check the British reviews. I love this hobby and it's great to have a lot of freaks near by to move gear to different systems and rooms. Sharing is fun!

I previously was running a Meridian 506.24, and am now running an Ayre CX-7e, into my I5.

IMHO, the CX-7e is a far better match with the Sim. I can't imagine anybody who likes the Sim sound not liking the Ayre sound and vice versa - they have similar design philosophies and, in the end, similar sound characteristics. I just found that the Ayre was a better value than what Sim offers in that price class, which is the opposite of what I found when shopping for a used integrated amp.

To clarify though...Ayre is a bit more "airy" in the top end, and Sim does focus a bit more on a silky midrange. That's from my experience. Somewhat different, but similar enough that if you like one you're likely to enjoy the other as well.

I had the I-7 with a Meridian G08 and loved it until I heard the Primare CD31. It blew me away! Stereophile got one right with this class "A" player. I'm now using it with the matching integrated the I-30. I don't miss the I-7. I bought both Primares new for what I got used for the I-7. I'm using a GamuT DI-150 right now and I'm loving it! I have my friends 150 and I also had it when I had the Meridian and the Primare just sounds so much better in all the audiophile "lingo" ways. Keep the I-7 and try the Primare and save money.

Thank you Twoleftears. Actually I was reading the comments on AudioCircle prior to receiving your response :) I also sent in an email to James Tanner at Bryston and he wants me to audition the player.

Search BCD-1 for a previous thread with my comments on this unit. Also I strongly recommend visiting AudioCircle Bryston owners for several threads with extensive commentary on the sound of this CDP.

Thank you all for your responses. It is appreciated. I will try to get a look at most of the units being mentioned. The SuperNova was at the top of the list for its synergy with the I-7. I was fortunate to get a demo of that setup with the speakers I currently have and the audition to me was amazing. It is just that $6K is a whole lot of change at this point for the Nova. There has not been too much mention of Bryston's BCD-1. I wonder why? I guess maybe because it is fairly new.

Going from what's available now on Agon that I've heard, and given it's with the i-7 (also familiar with), I would investigate:

Sony SCD-1 Super Audio CD player
Cary Audio 303/300
Ayre CX-7e
Bel Canto CD-2 player and transport

Of the above I would give a special nod to the Sony and the Ayre, since I've heard them with Sim gear before (but not the i-7). The SCD-1's main drag is that it's got slow load times, but it's a classic piece of kit and friggin gorgeous. It has balanced outputs, but you may want to investigate further if it's truly balanced, as I seem to remember, when I owned it, reading that it's not really balanced?

If you consider used the Meridian G08 matches well with simaudio and Dyns.

I used to own the I-7 ,for my 3rd system and has moved on to something else.

I'm afraid your dealer is right,I think the supernova is the best mate for the I-7.

I think it is worth saving for the supernova if you plan to keep the I-7, and like the sound.That has been my experience atleast.