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Help on premium cd player

I've been playing around with separates (upsamplers, dacs, transports) seeking like many something that sounds right (like vinyl?). Lately been trying to find a good transport to work with my, largely used, collection of parts. Have now stepped back and realized that I'm already out $3-4,000 and still don't have what I'm looking for, and tired of the search. I want to listen to music. So switching tactics and looking for a really good player in the $3-5,000 range {used), then sell off my "inventory", rationalize cables and rack space and just enjoy (90% classical, jazz and vocals). My candidates, based on reviews and hours reading threads here and AudioAsylum, are

Accuphase dp 65x or 75
Audio Aero Capitole 24/92
Audiomecca Mephisto II
Electrocompaniet EMC-1 Mk2 24/92
Wadia 860x

As an old banker I get a warm feeling if the manufacturer isn't likely to disappear overnight. To those who suggest that I first audition and trust my ears, I agree 100% in theory, but it's not possible where I live.

Comments/recommendations from those who have owned more than one product or were otherwise able to directly compare two or more especially valued.

Oh, my equipment includes tube and transitor pres and amps so I'm flexible, not a zealot for either philosophy!

Many thanks in advance for your contribution. And apologies if this post is too long, just try to preclude questions rather than answers.
grandpad
gboren
143 posts
 
I agree with Mikelavigne. But you can get almost that good by getting the Linn Ikemi (list = $3600). IMHO, the Ikemi sounds better than any other player or transport/dac combo out there (except for the Sondek CD12).
cornfedboy
1,645 posts
 
grandpad: just a note to you on your accuphase listings. there is a very significant difference between the dp-75 and the dp-75v (indeed, i think accuphase's product designation is a little wacky). the latter model introduced oversampling and employs an improved circuit topology; moreover, the 75v accepts upgrade slots that will allow the d>a sampling of sacd (tho the onboard transport doesn't output a sacd digital stream). i've heard all the cdp's on your list, except the audio aero. i would rank the top 5 in this order:

accuphase dp-75v
accuphase dp-75
electrocompaniet EMC-1 Mk2
accuphase dp 65-v
wadia 860

i would, however, be wary of the wadia products, given your concerns about the overnite disappearance of manufacturers. that already happened with wadia once this year and may well happen again. or so the rumor goes, FWIW. -cfb
stasis
34 posts
 
Grandpad, sooner or later every vetern audiophile comes to the conclusion "I just want to listen to music...". I've probably muttered that 3 to 4 times this year alone.Once was during the search to replace my beloved EAD Ultradisc
2000. Wary of garage built pieces and "this weeks best"
gear, Wadia and Accuphase were considerations, as were Meridian, Linn. The piece that just floored me was the Sim Audio Moon Eclipse. Unmatched build (and looks),upgrades easily, reputalble company, 10 year warranty, reasonable price. Now if I could just find a way to write it off on my
2001 returns...
Best of luck.
abecollins
219 posts
 
Cary 306/200 $5000 LIST but who pays LIST?

http://caryaudio.com/cd306_200.html
bwhite
807 posts
 
Guess I should chime in here...

Having owned a Meridian 508.24, Krell KPS28c, Wadia 860, Marantz SA-1, Electrocompaniet EMC-1 Mk II and now the AudioMeca Mephisto II over the past year, I must say that my $100 Toshiba DVD player sounds great!! Especially in systems connected to faulty wiring and broken outlets. sorry... I'm still a little shaken from my last digital thread

But seriously folks, of the bunch - the AudioMeca Mephisto II is a tremendous - absolutely outstanding CD player. I took it to see a few friends at a local high end shop specializing in ANALOG ONLY (quite an arrogant bunch) and they were shocked at how analog it sounded - but it did need a good power cord to get them really excited!

At the shop, when I walked in with the Mephisto II CD player, they pointed to an Accuphase DP-85 sitting packed up in the box next to the door and told me they didn't even want to listen to mine - they stated that the Accuphase was the best digital player in the world, and they hated it so much they couldn't wait for FedEx to come get it!

Anyhow.. I've auditioned the Cary 306/200 with lousy gear and because of that, I have no comment.

I unfortunately have never had a chance to listen to the Capitole (which uses the exact same DAC as the Mephisto) but frankly, given the level of performance & cool looks of the Mephisto, I didn't even want to try anything else.
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