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What high-end cdp for low-end quality CD's ?

I need advice, in some foreseeable future I’m going to upgrade my cdp. My budget is going to be about $4000 top $5000. I was thinking about used Wadia 861, Accuphase 75V. But I had heard that they are true performers only on high quality audiophile grade CD’s. I heard that the more expensive SS cdp playback the worst it will sound with awful quality CD’s.
Unfortunately most of my CD’s is mean quality from BMG, SONY etc. buying CD’s from only audiophile companies or import them from Hon Kong, Taiwan, Japan (they are the best to me) is not a valid solution. I have heard rumor that some tube CD’s like Audio Areo, Lector (maybe Audiomeca ??-it is solid state though) can be more forgiving to mean CD’s, so you can actually listen to them. It is really hard for me to listen to them on my budget Arcam cdp, I cannot imagine it sounding worse with high-end player. So I’m looking for forgiving high-resolution, very dynamic, live, analog sounding cdp. So what would you recommend, I’m listening to soft rock, pop, classic.
Rest of equipment is Clayton monoblocks, Thiel 3.6 speakers by the end of summer I will have Supratek pre (I hope at least).
sorlowski
gnobber
43 posts
 
You mentioned your Thiel 3.6's. I have a pair also, and have recently moved to a dedicated room with 4 dedicated power circuits. While I am hearing new details and clarity, I (and especially my wife) am being irritated more by the edginess of the Thiels. I have an Arcam FMJ 23 player. I recently auditioned some Martin Logan Ascents and some Sonus Faber (Cremona Auditor and Grand Piano) and was very impressed. So, you might consider focusing on the speakers vs. the CDP. Good luck and keep us posted- I am in a similar boat.

Bill
bsal
41 posts
 
The only answer to this question is vinyl. Bad redbook sounds bad no matter what. I have an Audio Aero Cap, and although it makes these recordings sound "better" than many other players, they still sound congested, compressed, and veiled.
unclejeff
1,313 posts
 
Bsal; You sound much like the felllow i bought my AA Capitole from. since he already had a huge vinyl library he didn't see the value in such a gifted CD player.

He took the financial hit in selling it 'used' and I got a really sweet CD player and I don't need to go and buy tons of vinyl.

Such being the case we can all agree to disagree and we can all enjoy our music.
warrenh's avatar
warrenh
2,299 posts
 
Jeff, I can relate, somewhat. I own the Capitole's little brohter, the Prima. As sweet as any cdp, I've heard in this price range (and higher too). 90% of the Capitole. And that's 90% of greatness....as you already, know. I'm considering some serious modifications by Steve Huntley of Great Northern Sound. Waiting on some more info to help me rationalize the $1600 mod...He's done amazing things with the Waida. Now the Prima. Something to look forward to. peace, warren
sorlowski OP
236 posts
 
That is true about LP playback, on HE 2004 (and on few other occasions) I have heard in one room newest Wadia 35k$ rig vs. Clearaudio (do not know price for it) Wadia seemed very good to me until I had hear LP – it was another league, sad...
But even though buying LP playback, LP records seems to me too much hassle. But I had thought the some about tube amplification and now I'm waiting for Supratek. So who knows. I'm going to try high-end cdp, if it will not work for me (like SONY SACD did not work) I will think about obsolete LP :)
What about Audiomeca mephisto II, is it analog sounding making bad CD civilized listenable player ?
How it compares to recommended by you AA Capitole?
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