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Best Tube CDP for $2000 Budget

Want to try a tube CDP in my system, have always owned solid state and currently have Rega Saturn and Meridian G08.
Looking for that smooth relaxed sound that minimizes any faults/digital hardness in average recordings while still preserving decent detail. I know this is the paradox of an audiophile, but I want to relax and feel the music and not worry about maximum detail presentation.

Am looking at Raysonic CD 128 and Cayin CD 17T, can anyone comment on these or have any other favorites?

Also please compare them to other CDPs you have heard, thanks.
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audiotomb's avatar
audiotomb
1,112 posts
 
I'll second the Prima and it can be had for a lot less than $2k. Also it's characteristics sound even better when isolated on a Silent Running Audio VR stand
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
Used Metronome should be on your list. Cheers,
Spencer
mikeadan
20 posts
 
i like the audio aero as well also the cary 303/300 is nice used can be had in your price. just make sure you upgrade the stock tubes retail is 4k used around 2k. audio new is 2500 used around 1200
good luck
saki70
907 posts
 
I second the Granite 657 , better PRaT and detail than the Prima . But , tough to find used !
Be aware , some the MKII Prima's have problematic transports .
I have owned both .
zar
185 posts
 
I'd like to know why the Meridian isn't satisfactory? Have heard nothing but great things about Meridian.
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