Replace CDP or not???

[FOUNTAIN]

The Cary tube mode sounds washed out and dead on some systems, just right on others. Your other components will be the determining factor.

Also, I would recommend you listen to Naim. It has very nice rhythm. Also, try an Esoteric.

I have A/B'd many of the players you are talking about, and Ayre is my favorite. Ayre also has the best value per dollar ratio than anything out there. Your tastes may be different, though.

If you really want to be done with it, get an Ayre C5-xe. The regular redbook CD's sound awesome. The dvd audios and SACD sound sublime. It may be the best one box cd player on the planet.

There are not many bad choices at your price point. My concern is that you are priming your mind with other people's opinions before listening for yourself.

Have fun!

Thanks David for the advice. I usually try to be as unbiased as possible, but there are times in my audio journey that I have bought just on people's opinion. Sometimes I've faired ok and others well.... not so good. As for the Naim I'll have to locate a dealer that has them on display. I've heard alot of positive statemnets concerning them so I'll have to check them out.

[FOUNTAIN]

Both actually, but having 'rolled' in a pair of Radiotechnique 1956 NOS 12AU7's this past March, I'm about 80-90% tube output.

Dave, if I end up going this route I'll be checking out what you did with the tubes more closely. This player has definitely got my attention.

[marck]

Depending on budget I can highly recommend the ARC tube CD players.

I have the CD7 and it is magnificant. They are also bringing out a CD5 which sits below the CD7, but apparently superior to the now out of production CD3.

Marc.

[DTB300]

Thank you for the recommendation. I've heard of ModWright before, but had forgotten about them. I will definitely look into this.

The Modwright players have been compared/reviewed against stock players costing 2-4 times what the Modwright costs and have equaled or exceeded those players. The usual complaints against the Modwright are build quality (typical Sony chassis and drive), and discussions about the extreme frequencies.

Are these qualities or issues worth $6-$10k more in cost to obtain with the higher priced players? Maybe. Some folks need that "price tag effect" when showing off their stuff, some just have the $$$ laying around and always want the absolute best.

Price versus performance should always be considered when auditioning additions to your setup. Do not be swayed by cost in your purchases, listen for yourself as only the end user can decide which is best.

[FOUNTAIN]

I called my dealer today and I will be comparing the Rega Saturn, Mcintosh MCD 201, and the Ayre CX-7e. I also found a dealer that carries Musical Fidelity and will be paying them a visit as well. This should give me a good base of comparison I believe. As far as a modded player, I'm very new to this sort of thing so I'm going to keep reading about it. One reservation I do have is how can I listen to the modified version before I buy it? I'm not sure if ModWright will modify any brand or just certain ones. I have a Pioneer DV-47a that may qualify if not the Apollo itself. Lots of options.

Glen

[Brad225]

Very happy with my Sony SCD-1 with Vacuum State mods. Good people to talk with if you want some suggestions.

[DTB300]

One reservation I do have is how can I listen to the modified version before I buy it? I'm not sure if ModWright will modify any brand or just certain ones.

Contact Modwright or Vacuum State and they can probably find out if there are customers in your area who would be willing to give a demo.

Modwright does have some dealers in the US but not sure if they carry the modded players along with the other products they make.

Modwright and Vacuum State only modify certain players due to their redesigned output stages. Check their sites for the players they modify or better yet contact them as they both have very good customer support.

Dan

[FOUNTAIN]

As for Cary I own the 303/300, IMO, it's a superb CDP, not to mention one of the most versitile as well.

Hey Dave. Unless I end up really liking what I hear in one of the players that was mentioned earlier I may end up buying a used Cary 303/300. Not all of my listening will be completed if I do go with the Cary that I'm looking at, but if the price is right then that may seal the deal for me.

As for the modded player, I'm still not sure what I may do. Thanks guys for all of your advice and suggestions.

Glen

[miljac]

Very happy with my Sony SCD-1 with Vacuum State mods. Good people to talk with if you want some suggestions.

I know you are happy! I'm quite happy with a number smaller Level 5 modded Sony (SCD-555ES, European model).

[David Matz]

One reservation I do have is how can I listen to the modified version before I buy it? I'm not sure if ModWright will modify any brand or just certain ones. I have a Pioneer DV-47a that may qualify if not the Apollo itself. Lots of options.

Glen

Fountain,

The most ideal way to audition is to buy the players used, run A/B tests, and sell what you don't like. If you get decent deals, you only incur minor transaction costs. Most people don't do it this way for a variety of reasons.

Personally, I would not buy anything I have not heard. Just because someone likes Ayre or Modwright or Cary, does not mean you will. For example, I heard the Cary in tube mode in a tubed Jolida system, and it sounded atrocious to me. Had I owned that system and not tried other options, I would be living with a very limited system (known or unknown to me).

Have fun auditioning

[FOUNTAIN]

Fountain,

The most ideal way to audition is to buy the players used, run A/B tests, and sell what you don't like. If you get decent deals, you only incur minor transaction costs. Most people don't do it this way for a variety of reasons.

Personally, I would not buy anything I have not heard. Just because someone likes Ayre or Modwright or Cary, does not mean you will. For example, I heard the Cary in tube mode in a tubed Jolida system, and it sounded atrocious to me. Had I owned that system and not tried other options, I would be living with a very limited system (known or unknown to me).

Have fun auditioning

Thank you David. I will have alot of listening to do this evening and tommorrow. It's just so easy to get caught up in the moment and buy without thinking. I will also talk to my dealer at length and see what advice he has on the matter and weigh it with all of the suggestions I've received. Thanks again.

Glen