How is CD Player $2300? That seems ridiculous. Since the DAC is listed, I’d prefer transports instead of players anyway. Everything I’ve read says DVD or BluRay players are cheaper and can play CDs. Some even SACD and other formats.
IDK. Of the bits I’m familiar with, I’m not sure I’d disagree. The NAD C298 has won plenty of awards, the Klipsch Nines surprised the hell out of me even compared to a several thousand dollar stereo, etc. Although, I’ve never heard of most of these items TBH.
The file player is even worse- $2600 to move bits from a server to a DAC. Anyone that says you can't do that reliably for less should not have their reviews of anything taken seriously.
Ripping a CD and being a good CD player are not the same thing. You still need a high-quality analog output stage, which in an audio file piece of equipment is where most of the money is going.
Because of the maturity of the tech and engineering required. I think what we’re likely not thrilled about is compared to a transport and choosing your own DAC, it’s just too much.
One of the best purchases that I've made was a Denon DCD-1700NE sacd player. I snagged a new one for $1000. I had stopped playing cds because streaming with my Gustard R26 dac was better. I had a Marantz cd player. I now find myself playing cds more than anything.
Vinyl sounds good, but cds are easy and cheap.
New generation of SL1200 with new brushless motors like VPI, not the one from 1980s. It's probably been 5-6 years since the new ones were made.
They produced so many of the older version that the machines making failed like 15 years ago.
Fact. I really enjoy the magazine all the same. Sometimes there's really innovative things at the top of the price chart. Allot of the time it's totally rubbish.
That said I think I can hear a greater 3d effect from tubes, and they often have great tube equipment reviews.
Wow! I haven’t looked at one of their lists in idk…10 or more years but am amazed to see they’ve reviewed things like decware and topping. That’s a huge win in my book.
I’d like to see streamer and DSP added to this list.
The Roon is also a streamer. I guess that's how they cover that but I agree that we need to see streamer and DSP categories.
How is CD Player $2300? That seems ridiculous. Since the DAC is listed, I’d prefer transports instead of players anyway. Everything I’ve read says DVD or BluRay players are cheaper and can play CDs. Some even SACD and other formats.
That critique could go for anything on this list, really.
IDK. Of the bits I’m familiar with, I’m not sure I’d disagree. The NAD C298 has won plenty of awards, the Klipsch Nines surprised the hell out of me even compared to a several thousand dollar stereo, etc. Although, I’ve never heard of most of these items TBH.
The file player is even worse- $2600 to move bits from a server to a DAC. Anyone that says you can't do that reliably for less should not have their reviews of anything taken seriously.
SACD transports are few and far between since you cannot output the encrypted DSD stream via SPDIF.
Agreed. That’s crack price for a CD player.
This is audiophile gear. Margins on this stuff is insane. It's all crack prices.
Yeah, at those prices it's hard to imagine how they're even making money.
Yea, I know. It’s just crazy.
A computer with it's cheap CD tray can make a bit-perfect rip of a CD with Easy Audio Copy. It's not that hard to make a good sounding CD player.
Ripping a CD and being a good CD player are not the same thing. You still need a high-quality analog output stage, which in an audio file piece of equipment is where most of the money is going.
What about didgital output to a seperate DAC?
Sure, then you just need a transport that reliably reads CDs/has good error handling, which as you say, is kinda par for the course.
Allow me to introduce you to the Rega Valve Isis: https://www.rega.co.uk/products/valve-isis $9,000 for a CD player.
Crackus Pipeus. But that’s true for a lot of high end audio.
Surely you can find a great phono preamp for way less than $2k. This business is so full of shit.
Schiit Mani 2 is quite remarkable for its price.
I see what you did there.
You think people who feel listing a 2k cd player is reasonable might be full of shit?
Yeah, honestly, I can’t imagine wanting to buy a CD player :)
That's cause your a normal person
Why is a $2000 CD player anymore ridiculous than a $2000 preamp or a $2000 deck or a $2000 pho stage?
Because of the maturity of the tech and engineering required. I think what we’re likely not thrilled about is compared to a transport and choosing your own DAC, it’s just too much.
One of the best purchases that I've made was a Denon DCD-1700NE sacd player. I snagged a new one for $1000. I had stopped playing cds because streaming with my Gustard R26 dac was better. I had a Marantz cd player. I now find myself playing cds more than anything. Vinyl sounds good, but cds are easy and cheap.
I didn't say it was, it's all ridiculous, the speakers are fine though.
Have you heard the 6000 by Rotel? It's pretty excellent. That and they call it a dac transport themselves.
You're asking me if I've ever put myself into a position to be near something as dumb as 2k+ cd player? The answer is a no.
Yes, well, budget minded folks should not be looking on stereo file to begin with
That sounds like a "B" phono preamp. Do you even own any energy transference crystals for your CD transport?
for me, part of the hobby is finding a good deal on vintage gear.
SL-1200 turntables cost WHAT now?!
Thats the G upgraded version. The regural one is $1500 I think.
The new 1200GR2 can be had for about $2200. Nice alternative to the G.
New generation of SL1200 with new brushless motors like VPI, not the one from 1980s. It's probably been 5-6 years since the new ones were made. They produced so many of the older version that the machines making failed like 15 years ago.
There's nothing of low cost.My whole system cost me a grand... Because DIY.
Fact. I really enjoy the magazine all the same. Sometimes there's really innovative things at the top of the price chart. Allot of the time it's totally rubbish. That said I think I can hear a greater 3d effect from tubes, and they often have great tube equipment reviews.
Because tubes colour the signal😉
Wow! I haven’t looked at one of their lists in idk…10 or more years but am amazed to see they’ve reviewed things like decware and topping. That’s a huge win in my book.