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CD Player Quandary

Last post Jun 28, 2009, 11:36 PM by sthomas048. (14 replies)
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Posted on Jun 28, 2009, 12:17 PM

CD Player Quandary

My favorite piece of kit is my NAD C545 CD player.   I know how subjective HiFi is and not everyone will like the sound, but I just love the attacking, detailed presentation of this thing.  The problem is, my particular unit is rubbish.  Had it serviced once and had to wait a month to get it back and it's still broken.  Usable, since the problem is intermittent, but ultimately, it must be replaced.


 Since I love it so much, I'm hesistant to switch brands, but on the other hand, I don't want a repeat performance.


So, here are CDPs I've considered.  What are your thoughts?


Roksan Caspian CDP (there's a good deal on a used one)


Rega Apollo


Music Hall CD 25.2


Another NAD C545


Can't get a cyrus as they are too expensive over here in the USA.

NAD C545 -> Benchmark DAC1 -> NAD C165 -> QUAD 909 -> Dynaudio Contour S1.4
Chameleon Silver Plus -> Chameleon Silver Plus -> Odyssey 2

Posted on Jun 28, 2009, 12:19 PM

271467

Re: CD Player Quandary

Rega Apollo for sure.
Rega P2 • Ortofon 2M Blue • Rega Fono Mini • Naim Nait 5i • Naim CD5i • Naim NAT 05 FM tuner • Rega R3 loudspeakers • Naim NAC-A5 speaker cable • Beresford TC7520 • Panasonic DMR-EX78 DVD/HDD • Chord Chrysalis, Crimson & Naim interconnects

Posted on Jun 28, 2009, 12:24 PM

271467

Re: CD Player Quandary

The Apollo is an excellent player. You might also consider the Naim 5i (well, I had to mention that) and some of the more expensive Marantz units. There's also a unit I've not heard, but that gets very favourable reviews, the Harman Kardon HD 990 - twin DACs plus an input so you don't have to buy an external DAC if you go down the wifi road.
Have fun.
A+

Posted on Jun 28, 2009, 12:25 PM

271467

Re: CD Player Quandary

The Apollo is very good indeed but the Caspian is the next level up. OK, the Apollo is surely chewing at the heels of the Roksan but it's not quite there nonetheless. The Caspian will go deeper and, dare I say it because it's so subjective and based on personal experience, will rock more.
Musical Fidelity X-Ray v8 → AVI S2000MP → Quad 405 Netaudio MK3 Dual Mono (Burr-Brown OPA627) → Spendor SA1 →

Posted on Jun 28, 2009, 1:14 PM

271474

Re: CD Player Quandary

Igglebert,


 How's the detail on the caspian?  I'm looking for a very crisp sound.  The C545 is very attacking and it's a nice balance with the rest of my gear which is all on the warm side...


Also, do you know if this is the current model:  http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1249096445&/Roksan-Caspian-M-1-Series-musi


 Thanks..

NAD C545 -> Benchmark DAC1 -> NAD C165 -> QUAD 909 -> Dynaudio Contour S1.4
Chameleon Silver Plus -> Chameleon Silver Plus -> Odyssey 2

Posted on Jun 28, 2009, 1:14 PM

271474

Re: CD Player Quandary

I'm wondering what the problem with the Nad is?

Posted on Jun 28, 2009, 1:17 PM

271497

Re: CD Player Quandary

It seems to me that you already have a player you love so just get another one. Job done Big Smile
Onkyo ND-S1 & PS3 Directly feeding AVI ADM 9.1s. Samsung LCD, Pioneer DVD-LX50 and Dell Laptop feeding the AVIs via a Beresford 7520. **Mostly cheapo cables**

Home Cinema on hold until the kids are older....

Posted on Jun 28, 2009, 1:18 PM

271497

Re: CD Player Quandary

taxiboy:
I'm wondering what the problem with the Nad is?


Read this thread: http://community.whathifi.com/forums/t/271087.aspx

NAD C545 -> Benchmark DAC1 -> NAD C165 -> QUAD 909 -> Dynaudio Contour S1.4
Chameleon Silver Plus -> Chameleon Silver Plus -> Odyssey 2

Posted on Jun 28, 2009, 1:32 PM

271501

Re: CD Player Quandary

I wouldn't want to hazard a guess which MK that one is. The best thing to do is ask the seller for it's age. My own view is not to buy used CDPs that are too old as there's too many mechanical components to make it a risky purchase.

The Caspian will sound crisp, deep, punchy, and gutsy. I don't think you'd be disappointed but don't forget, changes in CDP tend to be subtle compared to those of speakers and amps.
Musical Fidelity X-Ray v8 → AVI S2000MP → Quad 405 Netaudio MK3 Dual Mono (Burr-Brown OPA627) → Spendor SA1 →

Posted on Jun 28, 2009, 2:14 PM

271512

Re: CD Player Quandary

I've stated the fix for this in the op's original thread on the fault.

Posted on Jun 28, 2009, 2:36 PM

271512

Re: CD Player Quandary

Of that haul, the Roksan and Rega would be on my list. If you're going up as far as the Roksan Caspian, I'd be inclined to seek out an Eastern Electric Minimax if you can find one.



Marantz SA7001 KI - Sansui AU-217 - Mission 752

Posted on Jun 28, 2009, 2:40 PM

271532

Re: CD Player Quandary

caspian every time, i've got one on home dem at the moment and it is superb.  but, i doubt the one in your link is the latest version due to its price.  the caspian is a very upfront, dynamic sounding player without being bright or edgy.
mac mini + dacmagic, moon i3-rs, atc scm 19, atlas questor, atlas hyper 3.0, atacama avi, atacama hms2

i also have a chord company superscreen powercable.
but mainly cos it looks nice.
it doesn't make me a bad person.

Posted on Jun 28, 2009, 2:53 PM

271535

Re: CD Player Quandary

Craig M.:
  but, i doubt the one in your link is the latest version due to its price. 


I've asked the seller, just waiting for a reply.  It might not be all that old as this item has been listed for sale for quite awhile and there is not much interest in roksan over here.  Just not a well known brand in the states.

NAD C545 -> Benchmark DAC1 -> NAD C165 -> QUAD 909 -> Dynaudio Contour S1.4
Chameleon Silver Plus -> Chameleon Silver Plus -> Odyssey 2

Posted on Jun 28, 2009, 2:55 PM

271539

Re: CD Player Quandary

Even if it's not the latest one, it's still an excellent player. It's just the gamble of age and reliability.
Musical Fidelity X-Ray v8 → AVI S2000MP → Quad 405 Netaudio MK3 Dual Mono (Burr-Brown OPA627) → Spendor SA1 →

Posted on Jun 28, 2009, 11:36 PM

271540

Re: CD Player Quandary

Well im biased as i own the Rega Apollo, but i will tell you its a wonderful CDP. Balanced, smooth, natural, dynamic, amazing with midrange - vocals sound like they are there singing in front of you ! Definately one to consider.
Stephen

Musical Fidelity B200 / Linn Genki cd player - Russ Andrews Crystal Cu Interconnects / AVI Neutron 5 speakers - QED Silver AnniversaryXT Speaker Cable
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