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Which is the best cd player under $10k?

I am trying to find the best cd player under $10k (new or used) either a current or recent offering which has a warm, vinyl-like sound, wonderful holographic imagining, large soundstage, nice details & beautiful tonality without being hyper detailed, etched and which avoids the two extremes; cold and analytical to too warm and syrupy?

Choices so far have been Accuphase dp-500, Audio Research cd-8 (but lacks up to the minute digital inputs), Playback Designs MPS-5, EAR Acute & Luxman DU-80. Given the many choices, i'm pulling my hair out. Let me know your thoughts!
melbguy1

Showing 1 response by knownothing

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knownothing
1,536 posts
 
Look at the products from any company whose name starts with an "A"***, plus Esoteric X-03SE and Wadia 581.

***like: Audioaero Prestige, Audio Note CD-4.1x, Audio Research CD5, Ayon Audio CD-5, Ayre C-5xe(with MP upgrade).

The "best"? HA! These are all good, and slightly different, but could be said to have the characteristics you are seeking. The "best" thing to do is get yourself into a store and listen to them - or start buying and trading used on Agon stopping when you find what floats your boat.
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