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Dedicated Red Book CD player vs. "Universal" type players....

I surmise this discussion has been debated a fair amount but here goes....I'm searching for the "final" cd player. Red Book playback is important to me as I have an extensive cd collection and am not into computer based sound (yet). So, I don't mind grabbing and popping those silver disks into a player. What are my fellow Audiogoner's thoughts on a dedicated cd player vs. the universal (see Oppo) type of player? Does a one-box solution sacrifice some cd playback performance trying to be a jack of all trades? If so, can you hear that difference? Input and comments most appreciated!
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1graber2's avatar
1graber2
303 posts
 
@twoleftears , just so other readers know, the Hegel Mohican is a $4000 dedicated 16/44 only CDP.
I only heard the BCD once, but sounded great. I've kept an eye and ear out for them ever since and watched them advance to v3 as you mention. I also like that Bryston makes other supporting electronics, processors, and preamps, amps that allow an highway of proprietary electronics from Source/File/CD to amp. Providing synergy that I dont usually get with all my hobbyist mixing and matching of different types of gear: SS/tube/Class D and brands. 
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
...They eschewed a digital in, SACD capability, etc. etc., in order get Red Book as good as possible, which according to them isn't possible when you have to make other accommodations...
+1

Schiit makes what can be inferred to be the same claim.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 
I believe the Mohican lists for 5K.  As they seem to be broadly comparable products, I believe the 1.5K premium puts the Hegel at something of a disadvantage, marketing-wise, to the Bryston.
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