2. digital
  3. 1262921305

Need help/advice on choosing a new CDP

My cdp is on its last leg - it's been refusing to read/play most of my CDs for quite some time now, so I need to find a new one soon. I was thinking about getting an "entry-level" CDP, which'd actually be an upgrade from what I currently have, a Denon universal player. I know what you guys are thinking ... a universal player?! I'm fairly new to audiophile so please excuse my ignorance. I mean, I've always been interested in audio but I didn't know much at all until I started putting together my first system a few years ago. Now I know better ...

Anyway, enough rambling ... I thought I could find a decent CDP for around $1k (or hopefully a little less) to replace my DVD-2930CI but now after some auditioning, I'm not so sure. I was considering the new Rotel RCD-1520, Jolida JD100A, Rega Apollo, and Arcam FMJ CD17. So far, I've heard the RCD-1520 twice at the same store, once with Jolida tube amp which sounded OK, and once with Rotel's new integrated stereo amp which makes it too forward sounding (and not enough depth plus details are lost). I've also heard the Creek Classic CDP with the Jolida amp which didn't sound good to me, and the Jolida JD100A with the Rotel amp which sounded too bright (and hence fatiguing, the sound's somewhat recessed but overall detailed) at the same store. With all the problems Apollo (and Saturn) owners have reported, I'm hesitant to get one. I still plan on auditioning it alongside the Arcam CD17 at another store soon. I am pretty confused and overwhelmed now as it looks like I'll have to spend quite a bit more than I thought. I don't want to buy something that sounds just OK to me ... Some CDP ideas I got from talking to audio dealers/stores and doing research online are: Creek Destiny and CD50 MK2 (already obsolete though), Simaudio Moon CD-1 and CD.5, Arcam FMJ CD36, Shanling.

If you have any CDP recommendations for me or can share your experience with any of the players I have mentioned, that'd be very helpful. My current setup: Jolida JD502B tube amp, 2x B&W CM7, AudioQuest cables and interconnects. I listen to all kinds of music (except rap). I am looking for good detail and some dimensionality in the sound.
cjng
donjr
1,335 posts
 
I use the Rotel RCD-1520 with a Rogue Cronus and B&W CM7's and it sounds great. I've only compared it to my NAD CDP in my system and there's a lot more detail with the Rotel. I have however heard the Rega Apollo and Bryston (can't remember model) and the Rotel sounds to me like a combination of both the Rega and Brystons strong points. I originally had the new Rotel seperates and they were so forward and bright that I couldn't listen to it. The RCD-1520 has a very nice balance with tubes.
hifiharv
351 posts
 
Reports from the front are that the new Rotel player is very good, but the amp/pre is forward and fatiguing. I would be careful about auditioning this player along with this amp even though Rotel considers them stablemates. The above advice on the Cary is a no brainer. A demo on sale right now for only $750. Hurry up before I beat you to it!
m2sweeneys
28 posts
 
Rar1 is absolutely correct about reliability issues with the Apollo and Saturn. I own two Apollo CDPs (one for home and one for work) and have never experienced any problems. I also own a Rega P25 and have owned two Rega integrateds. Always reliable and great value per $.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Don't fool around, get the oppo 83SE. Best part is you can try it in your system to see if it meets your expectations. If not back it goes.
lostbears's avatar
lostbears
537 posts
 
Speakers can make a huge difference in the sound of a system. If at all possible compare things in a system as close to yours as possible. I was in the same situation as you awhile back. I wanted a new player because my was beginning to have problems and a replacement transport was no longer available. I went to a dealer to hear a specific player that had gotten great reviews. I was not impressed at all with the player when I heard it in the dealers system. Later I heard the same player in a system with the same amp and preamp that I own. I was amazed at the difference in sound. I ended up buying that CDP that I had passed up a month earlier.

Some CDPs seem far more system dependent than others. The Cary did not seemed to me to be that system dependent. It is well built and a really nice sounding player. that is why I mentioned it. Cary also has great customer service which to me was a concern. BTW I don't own one but I have heard one both in my system and at a dealer.
More to discover