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ultimate final word best cd set up

Seeking world class #1 top of the line choice cd system? I am too and recently i have heard the esoteric X-01 with jm labs diva utopias, bat preamp driven by a burmester amp. When the cd source was switched to a burmester I was disappointed. At first i didn't notice any difference until the esoteric was put back on and I have to say there is seldom a sound like this. I totally forgot about the equipment and focused on the music. For us not so fortunate in the financial aspect what cd players or combos (transport and dac) will approach this level but not cost nearly as much. I currently own a sony dvp 9000 es which is decent, but obviously i'ld like to have betta. thanks
pedrillo
budrew
467 posts
 
Consider a modded player, like the Denon 3910 or 2900. APL and Exemplar among others both make highly regarded versions of these. There are a few threads here on them. Usually no more than $4000.
reubent
6,936 posts
 
I previously owned a Sony DVP-9000ES and personally, I think just about any good dedicated player will outperform the Sony for Redbook CD playback. The Sony is a pretty good DVD player and it has the benefit of SACD support (which I did not use), but it is only mediocre for CD playback when compared to other players that I have owned. Here are the players I have owned and all of them outperformed the Sony (IMHO) for redbook CD playback:

Arcam Alpha 9
Theta Miles (balanced version)
Cary CD-308
Granite Audio 560
Resolution Audio Opus 21
Quad 99 CDP

Of these, the Resolution Audio Opus 21 ($3500 list, $2500 used) was easily the best, but the most expensive.

I currently own the Quad 99 CDP ($1499 list, $850 used) and think it is an outstanding value, especially when used in a single source system using its built-in volume control. If you only have a single source system, get rid of the expensive pre-amp and go direct from the Quad to your power amp.

I love my Quad 99 CDP and think it is an outstanding value. It is not the equal of the RA Opus 21, but it is in the ballpark and cost a lot less.

Enjoy,

TIC
philefreak
423 posts
 
1. Wadia 861 se w/GNS statement mods.
2. M. L. 390S
3.Audio Aero Capitol
4. Resolution Audio Opus 21

All have no need for a preamp, cause no preamp is the best preamp!
larryi
3,719 posts
 
It's hard to make any definitive judgment about any single component given the issue of how one component complements another. I have head the $14k Burmester player. It sounds warm and rich and smooth. I've heard various Grand Utopia speakers and they strike me as having a bump in the bass and upper bass that make them sound a bit warm and quite sluggish and dynamically unexciting. I can see how the pairing of the two would exaggerate what I consider to be a problem with the speakers. I am not familiar with the X-01, but if it is leaner and more dynamic than the Burmester, I would expect it to pair better with that speaker. If that is the case, would that make the X-01 a superior player? Yes, in the context of that system and a particular taste in sound.
faziod
151 posts
 
Audio Aero Prima CDP. I believe it retails for $2200.You won't find a better player at the price or double.
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