The best CD player under $5000?

Bel Canto CD2:

 

After reading this thread I'm considering upgrading my CD player. Currently I play CD's on my Denon 2930 universal player. What's the general consensus on this unit? If I want to step up to the next level, what would I be noticing in terms of sound? That is, when I'm trying them out in the store, what should I pay attention to? For example, I'm currently thinking about a Bryston or used Marantz player. Should I hear the difference right away, or is the improvement more subtle?

Dave

 

I can't tell you the best one in your system. I liked the YBA One Alpha with external PSU or two. Nice sounding rig. Can be found under $5000 used.
Best of luck.

 

Marantz SA-11S2. Fantastic as a redbook player. SACD is icing on the cake, taking things a step up.

 

The SACD player looks very interesting. What's the latest on this? Has the price gone down since then? My other main concern is whether or not if there is a US distributor for this thing.

 

As this thread has been going since 2007, there have been some more additions to the list of choices. You have quite a few options if you include used gear into the mix. $5k should buy a pretty fantastic player, there are even some first generation Meridian 808's on the market now for around 5k.

That would probably be the one I'd buy for that kind of $$...

 

I'd get Allen Wright's (Vacuum State Electronics) modifications to my Sony SCD-XA5400ES. That would give me the Terra Firma clock as well as keeping the balanced outputs. Modification costs - circa $1600.

Depending on how much you paid for your 5400 (1100-1500), your total cost varies. I'd be looking at $3100.

I can't see any new player under $5000 new beating that.

I can imagine a used player at $5000 going close on CD (the Meridian) but not having a great SACD playback as well.

Plus I'd have $2k left over!

 

I'd buy a Linn Unidisk 1.1 second hand for <$5K - plays everything except Blu-Ray.

Oh, I did that already!

 

Good one.

 

CD player? soooo 2007.....

wonder how a ModWright Transporter would stack up against any player in that price range?

 

T+A is now distributed by Dynaudio.

http://www.dynaudio.com/us/index2.php?id=19

 

How is the transport on this tube CD/SACD player?