The CAL Icon MkII is almost universally praised as a very reliable CD player which makes better than merely acceptable music and can also serve as a very good transport further down the upgrade path. Bought mine as a dealer demo about six or so years ago. It sees extensive use and even some abuse, and it still works like new. Sounds very nice played by itself; even better through a high quality dac. In fact, it might sound better than a low grade or older dac.
