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Help in Selecting CD Player

My system consists of B&W N802's, Sherbourn 7 X 200 watt amp (I currently use for biamping), Sherbourn Processor and Cary SPL-2002 Preamp for 2 channel. I am in the market to purchase a CD player. I would like to purchase a player for around $1500, used on Audiogon of course. While not totally necessary, I would consider SACD a plus as I plan to complete a multichannel system. I am considering the Sony XA777es, Audio Aero Prima and Shandling T-200. Would you recommend one of these over the others or is there another player I should consider taking into account the characteristics of my system? I listen mainly to Blues, my wife likes country, but we listen to a little of everything as our tastes sometimes vary. Any suggestions from this fine forum are appreciated.
pen_man

Showing 3 responses by rsbeck

rsbeck
887 posts
 
I can highly recommend the Sony SCD XA777ES CD/SACD player.

I had one in my system before buying the Meitner Dac6 and
it sounded damn good. I gave it to my brother for his B-day
and it sounds damn good in his system, too. And, his system is totally different from mine. This tells me that the Sony
is not that finicky and will sound good in a lot of systems.

I don't think you will go wrong with the Sony and you can
usually purchase a used one on Audiogon for around 1,600.
Which, IMO, is a pretty good deal for the quality.

Have not heard the Prima or the Shanling T-200.

rsbeck
887 posts
 
I would just add that, as tempting as some of these
CD players are, I think you also want to start enjoying
SACD. So, again, I recommend the Sony SCD XA777ES. Instead of starting with a CD player and
then adding a SACD player that also plays DVD, I
would recommend getting the Sony SACD player
and then a Pansonic XP-50 DVD and DVD-A player.
That way, between the two boxes, you've got everything
covered and you don't have video play-back mixed
with your CD and SACD playback. You'll end up with
great music AND great video playback and you'll get
it at a decent price.
rsbeck
887 posts
 
I have not heard the Audio Aero, but the Sony SCD XA777ES is great on redbook AND SACD. Your
Denon 3800 plus the Sony would be a great pair --
you'd have all the formats covered. Since DVD-A
needs to be paired with DVD, IMO, it makes sense to
bundle the DVD-A with a DVD player while keeping
CD and SACD playback separate from DVD.
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