I've auditioned both about two years ago. I found the Meridian 508.24 a little more smooth sounding. It was a difficlut decision, but the instruments had a more distinct amount of air around them. The ML39 sounding a bit cold in comparison, while the Meridian sounding more natural. Of course, your other components and cables will make a difference. You should try to demo them side by side in your system if it's possible. Most importantly, music is in the ears of the beholder! Go with what sounds best to you. Also I've heard that the ML39 doesn't like CD-R's, so if you're burning your own compilation of music, this could be the deciding factor.
Meridian 508.24 or Levinson 39 ?
From what I have read about these two players, they are both outstanding. The Levinson 39 can decode HDCD and has digital inputs, which makes it useful as a DAC for my other cd player. The Levinson is about double the cost (used) than the Meridian though, and I would like to know other people's thoughts about the differences between the players, and whether the cost difference is justified.
I would also like to get some opinions about whether it might be better instead to look for a cd processor that can upsample 24/96 or 24/192, such as the Cary players. Neither the 39 or the 508.24 will upsample. My preference would be to keep the cost under $2k, but I don't want to exclude other options. My current system is: Marantz cd-67 se, Audio Research LS-15 pre-amp (tube), Audio Research 100.2 amp (solid state), PSB Stratus Gold i speakers, and Kimber Select cabling. Thanks.
I would also like to get some opinions about whether it might be better instead to look for a cd processor that can upsample 24/96 or 24/192, such as the Cary players. Neither the 39 or the 508.24 will upsample. My preference would be to keep the cost under $2k, but I don't want to exclude other options. My current system is: Marantz cd-67 se, Audio Research LS-15 pre-amp (tube), Audio Research 100.2 amp (solid state), PSB Stratus Gold i speakers, and Kimber Select cabling. Thanks.