I just bought a used one and my general impression is that the Thunder 3.1B charms more than impresses. It has a fluid and musical sound that few CD players can match and provides loads of details in a natural and relaxed way. I have had an Arcam CD-23T (which I preferred over the Rega Jupiter, the YBA Integre and the Audio Aero Prima 192) and a MF A308cr and the Thunder beats them both. Even though it does not sound like an analytical player (like my previous players did), I have heard lots of new information and the lyrics are more intelligible. The previous owner preferred it to his Classe CDP-10 and moved up to a Shanling T-300 with pinched waist NOS tubes. So it seems you would have to spend the big bucks to really improve on the sound with something like a Wadia 861se or Audio Aero Capitole
As for the question of value, if you judge the Thunder by whats inside, you are getting a lot for your money. If you judge it by its sound, it is competitive, but make sure you listen carefully as it does sound different
Talk Thunder 3.1b CDP?
Does anyone else own one? How do you like them? Is it considered a good player for the money. I don't see much about them on the websites but am curious on what their known for. Any opinions or experience with this player would be appreciated. I think it is quite good but compared to what? I have not heard 99% of the players out their so I don't know if I can do better for the money. Nowhere local will let me take a player home to demo without purchasing it first and then returning it if not suitable. What players might be good to listen to. I obviously would like to better the Talk.
Thanks
Thanks