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Looking for a CD player with more life

I'm currently running a Meridian 506.24, which has a very nice, relaxed sound with a big soundstage and just a nice "big" sound. However, I never want to listen to it these days because I'm looking for liveliness, which is not a forte of the Meridian.

So what I'm looking for now is a new, or used, CDP under $2K (closer to $1500 is better) that will give me a lively, punchy sound that is musical and detailed. I'm not looking to better my vinyl rig, nor to get a particularly analog sound - the record player is there for that. I'm looking for liveliness, a big, open soundstage (it's important to me to maintain a good depth of soundstage, but the width can be compromised to save some bucks) and better resolution than my current CDP, and to just want to put on a CD and have fun listening to it.

What I'm considering so far...

Cary 303/300
Simaudio CD1/Equinox/CD5.3 (to match with my I5)
Ayre CX-7e
Naim CD5/5i/5X

Is a newer, lower-end CD player as good as a previous generation, one step up player? I hesitate, for example, looking at a Sim Equinox or Nova compared with a current Equinox SE or CD1...Also, anything else that I should consider that would meet my sonic/musical goals?

Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks,
Ken.
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Showing 1 response by waltersalas

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waltersalas
939 posts
 

Ken,
One player that is sort of under the radar in your price range is the Original CD 2008 modded by Moon Audio. I believe you can audition this player to see if it works in your system. I did, and ended up buying it. If I had to describe its sonic attributes, the description would be very, very close to just what you have said you are looking for. It is not a tubed unit, but does use Lundahl transformers, which seem to impart a very pure and natural quality to the music. It has very nice imaging, excellent detail retrieval, and that certain jump factor.

There is a review by 6 Moons on this player, which pretty well sums up the player's performance, IMHO. I suggest contacting Drew at Moon Audio for more information. All you have to lose is the shipping cost if you don't keep it.

I have no financial interest in the player or the company. I just couldn't help thinking that it sounds like a match for your situation.

Best of luck.

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