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Music Hall CD25, Onix XCD-88, Rega Planet; Others?

I'm in the slow process of upgrading all of my components, and am fairly new to the audio hi-fi world, although I really love music. My old Adcom GCD-575 CD player is slowly giving out, and replacing it has become the obvious next step.

I've spent some time browsing over Audiogon, and other audio websites searching for a replacement, and have somewhat narrowed it down to the Music Hall CD25, the Onix XCD-88, and the Rega Planet original. As you can tell by my selections, I dont mind used, and dont have much of a budget either. I've read many good things about all three, but would like other people's opinions.

A little about my listening experience: I have had a Sony 508ES player, as well as the Adcom. I also have heard the Naim player (which was fantastic), and the Eastern Electric MiniMax (which would be ideal, but out of my price range). I love the sound of vinyl, the visceral feeling and "roundness" is wonderful for me, so I do enjoy the natural sound of music (if that makes any sense at all). Ideally, I want a player, and entire system that is very musical. I listen to my system for hours on end, so the imaging, etc would be secondary.

My current system is a Qinpu Integrated A1.0x, PSB Alphas, and the Adcom GCD-575. The Qinpu is new, and has a slightly warmer tone to it, with excellent mid-range. The PSBs will also be replaced at some point down the line, perhaps with Paradigm Studio 20s.

So I'm really open to your suggestions, either for the above 3 options, or any others as well. Also, what is the relationship btw Music Hall, Onix and Shanling?

Thanks,
Clint
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Showing 1 response by mechans

mechans
3,048 posts
 
I have read the op amps on the Onix and the Music Hall are different. That is irrelevant since you seek a laid back "musical sonics" the Music Hall and Onix are both built by Shanling and both exhibit the house sound so I am told. I own the Music Hall and think it is an absolute giant killer, I don't see the bass as relaxed it's just well defined, it has a great deal of midrange presence and detail but it will not appeal to you in any event. For the money its cleaner, not thinner than most players 3Xs as expensive.
You would want the Rega which is not my cup of tea, but as my friend Joe always says that is why they make vanilla and chocolate..... and Marshmellow fudge caramel swirl with bits of raw Linzer tarts in it. Seriously you would probably like the Rega if you loved the Naim. I am not at all sure the Minimax is sweet enough for you either competes on a level with the MH somewhat more balanced but not cleaner. I have a Jolida for a softer sound and once had an Audio Aero Prima which was more laid back. I currently use a Granite CDP which is completely different, more defined than a Jolida or Rega but heavier bodied than a lot of players. Check one out if you can find it used, it sells for a fraction of MSRP not well known I guess.
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