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More CD Player selection woes

I'm looking to replace the "weak link" in my system: A Denon DCD-1560 CD player. While its held its own over the years (being a 20-bit player and all), it is time for it to go.
I find my Well-Tempered Classic TT, EAR Phono Amp, and Grado cartridge to be my preferred setup, but I do want a CD player to come close to that sound. Of course, budget is all constraining so I need help deciding between a NEW Cambridge 840C; or one of those Chinese tube player; Cayin CDT 17A or Shanling etc.; or a USED/DEMO McIntosh MCD 201; or Meridian 208 (if I can find one).
Has anyone had experience with the Chinese models? How do they hold up?
Any help will be appreciated.
thanks
ebuzz
photon46
1,076 posts
 
I'd suggest you read a few reviews of the Marantz SA-11S1 or SA-11S2 and add those to the list of candidates. I find them to have a most pleasing sound that is easy on the ears in an analog-ish manner. Much more appealing to me than Cambridge's sound, although that's just my take on things. I'm not dissing Cambridge, I owned several of their players in years past and they are a good value (but not very reliable in my experience.) Cambridge "house" sound is rather analytical to my ears. The SA11S1 is showing up on this site used within your budget.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,860 posts
 
If the player has digital outputs, consider using it as a transport and just add a separate DAC. That will provide the best improvement for the dollar most likely. Then you can try a music server or alternate transport later.

There are lots of threads with good information on various DACs here on Agon.
grinnell
1,075 posts
 
A good used Music Hall CD 25 or 25.2 might work for you. Nice sound. they go for 250-350 used 450 new
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
i own a marantz 11s2. i'm not sure you would prefer it to your denon player, without a statement regardding your sonic objectives.

definitely, stay away from the cayin,. i owned that player. without mods, it is definitely unbalanced in its frequency response.

send me an e mail with your concerns and i will try to answer your questions.

most of the 24 bit players in current production are fatiguing after some duration of listening.
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