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O.K., downloads, streaming and more....but I still like many of my CD and SACD disks

Yes I am old, but like many things, I would still rather have a 250 GTO Ferrari than most any newer.  So, what is this old f___ talking about?  I would like to buy what could be my last CD/SACD player...or worst case, just CD player.  What are some of the best sounding, not looking or able to wash my car, just play my current CD and SACD collection with superb sound quality/fidelity.  The other choice I could do is the best sounding Redbook player and keep my current one for the SACD disks I own.  All for as much under 2K as possible. 

Also the original Ford GT40 or (if you can get Mr. Hall to part with one) a Chaparral 2C or 2D.   Hey, is that asking for too much?  As a noted person used to say..."well excuuuuuuse me".


whatjd
mahler123
3,014 posts
 
if if the OP has a functioning CDP with digital outs that he can use as a transport I would put the budget in a good DAC.  2K will buy something really excellent from Benchmark, Mytek, and others.  
soix
8,569 posts
 
DAC all the way. CDPs are dying while DACs are flourishing. Frankly I’d consider something like an Innuos Zen Mini Mklll that you could easily load (i.e. load the disc into its slot and it stores it internally — done) all your discs into and play any of your music in any order from the comfort of your chair. Add a better DAC and you’re set. Keep your SACD player around for those I guess. Best of luck.
gelle
79 posts
 
FWIW, I just bought a Orchid. I was so impressed with the SQ I connected my Oppo 105 to it. Big upgrade in sound on Redbook. 
jafant
18,763 posts
 
whatjd

there has never been a better time to purchase a CD/SACD player. $2K is an excellent budget w/ plenty of product in the marketplace.
Keep us posted on your purchase decision.

Happy Listening!
in_shore's avatar
in_shore
596 posts
 
Whatjd I have a few miles on myself and recently about five years ago I transitioned away from vinyl as my primary source though not so easy thing to do .
Having friends with digital front ends to help me along the way I went through EMM Labs ,  Esoteric and my last was a CEC transport and Rockna Dac then suddenly my world was up ended listening to a friends new music server and separate dac with an extensive music library all managed by a iPad .

I sat there choosing what ever i wanted to listen to including worldwide internet FM all with a touch my finger .

I brought over some of my favourite CDs to rip and listen to and was immediately struck at how much more enjoyable my music was on his system though sure enough I borrowed his server to listen in my own system , it took less then 20 minutes to decide to move on from using a transport. 
My current server is the Innuos Zenith mk3 with Phoenix re-clocker with both components is in my mind the most significant leap forward in musically performance I have ever experienced at once .

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