Advice needed re: new CD player purchase


Hello everyone. New member but long-time lurker here. My system: Bryston 4B-ST amp, Bryston BP25 preamp, and Meridian 508.24 CD player (all purchased in 1998 and all performing flawlessly), Kimber KCAG balanced interconnects, Audioquest speaker cable, and Esoteric power cords. I have Thiel CS2.4 loudspeakers.

I have about 4500 CDs (about 3% of which are hybrid SACDs). I love my system, but I want a new CD player. Am I right to think that advances in audio technology over the last 24 years have left my Meridian in the dust, sonically speaking? So I have been looking at various players. A few parameters: I will only buy new; I want XLR outputs; and I’d prefer to not spend over 5k.

I’m looking hard at the Bryston BCD-3, and the Technics SL-G700. Having owned Bryston products now for almost 24 years, I’m extremely impressed by their build quality and performance. However, the BCD-3 is not an SACD player. I’ve read a few solid reviews of the Technics, but I’m suspicious of their long-term reliability. There are no dealers where I live or within 200 miles. I looked at the Marantz line, and their only player with balanced outputs is the SA-10, which I’ve heard is awesome but I’m unwilling, at this point, to pay $7500 (although my mind is not closed on the matter).

Anyone here have either the Bryston or the Technics player? Will I notice a marked improvement with a new player (as compared to my 508.24)? Like most of you, this is my life. After work, I listen 2-3 hours per day, sometimes more on weekends. Thanks in advance for your advices.
jeroboam
I recently bought a Cambridge Audio CD player for less than $500 new, which I like.  However, my favorites are CD players from the 70's & 80's.  The lasers are stronger and see thru scratches better than the new ones.  Perhaps, find a good used CD player and a BlueRay player which seems to be able to decode SACD & DVD Audio. The problem is they are designed for 5 + channels or above.  Run it into your tv and pull a stereo signal out of the tv, most require that they have a tv screen to see what you are doing.

lucky_doggg7

 

Excellent score! on the Luxman D-03x. Keep us posted as you massge this player into your System.

 

Happy Listening!

You asked whether you would hear a significant difference over your Meridian CDP, I have the 508.20 the little little brother of your 24. I don't care what you buy but you will definitely hear a big difference, welcome to the 21st century.

 

I considered the Bryston in my search as well--a good choice if you can't afford an Esoteric

but I don't regret for a second my purchase of a Marantz KI Ruby sacd--you might find one still (limited production) and the price is quite reasonable for the quality 

It's the last player I'll buy I hope