Researching the CD/HDCD Players from China


I have gotten 40 plus responses regarding CD players built in China. However, the more research I've done It appears to me that most CD players and many other audio pieces are made in China or in Japan. I recall back in the early 1960's working as an audio salesman, we not only carried hi end audio equipment, but table radios and certain consoles. I would always steer customers away from anything made in Japan. That was my mindset back then and remained so for some years.

Now it appears that this is the same mindset of many audio buffs regarding anything made in China. Much of my restarch as been trying to find high quality CD players that are built well and can render classical choral and orchestral as well as jazz small and big bands well. In particular it must be able to give me a good presentation of the human voice in song. Plus it must be able to render an wide sound field throwing music outside of the speakers. And there must be sufficient height to the sound field as well. I am also particular about being able to pick out each jazz instrument and/or voice from within the sound field.

I have heard (for short periods)an Original 2008 Mk2, a Shenda SD100S, Doge 6, and a Bada HD23. All of these players produced a very pleasent sound. However, my primary concerned is with "LONGEVITY" and being able to improve on the sound with tube changes, upgrades, etc.

Finally, the reason I've spent time researching these and other CD/HDCD players has to do with funding. I don't have a large amount of $$$ to spend, but still want hi end sound. This may be a foolish notion, but that's what I am looking for. I understand that there are some HDCD CD's now on the market. Has anyone heard any and is the sound quality superior to the redbook CD's? By the way, the rest of my system will consist of the following:
1. Elite Rock turntable with Excalibur arm (Sumiko cart)
2. Audio Research Pre-Amp
3. Threshold S/300 power amp
4. Mirage OM-9 Omni (soon to be upgraded to Mags 1.6)
5. Various Kimber Cables
I have many classical and jazz LP's i've collected over the years especially many from Germany. I may have just as many redbook CD's. I plan to purchase HDCD's if they can present better sound than my redbooks.

Again thank you for your comments because I really need them. I hope to purchase something within the next few weeks depending on what I get in the way of your responses.
rbwinterlink
Yes there's a great HDCD machine made in Iowa by EAD which features the well known Pioneer stable platter drive mechanism. Enlightened Audio Design

Rb watch for my email...tomorrow...
Hi,
I have had various players from China and have had zero problems.The one I have now also does HDCD and sounds very nice.
Good luck in your quest.

Bob
I find it confusing that a person with a system consisting of Threshold and Audio Research now wants to skimp on the CD player. As far as the Chinese players go, nobody knows the ultimate longevity of these players, as they have not been on the market long enough to establish a track record. Sonically, I've owned a Doge6 and I thought it was fabulous - how long is it going to last? Can't say. If you are truly concerned with reliability, I believe Esoteric has a great reputation for that. Personally, if you want reliability and HDCD, I would recommend a Naim CD5x with a flatcap PS. About 5K new and probably about half that used. An excellent, reliable player at a very good SH price.
I have two CD players built in China. A Cambridge Audio D500SE that is now 5 plus years old and a recently purchased used Cayin CD-50T. I have had no problems with the Cambridge, and the Cayin has somewhere between 1 1/2 thru two years on it. The Cayin has first rate build quality, and for the most part top notch parts. The Cayin also offers HDCD processing.
The Cambridge shows decent build quality with very sound engineering, and selected high quality parts in selected areas where the deliver best bang for the buck.
And for the record, I have a Cayin HA-1A tube headphone amp that sounds splendid and is built like a tank. I am very impressed with Cayins quality and sound for the money.
I listen to classical, jazz, and older rock. The Cayin combo really shines with classical and jazz in my opinion.