|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
68.17.139.160
I currently have a Sony XA777ES and plan on keeping it for SACD. I am soliciting opinions and or comments on the following players; Naim CD5, Ayre CX7e and the Cambridge Audio Azur 840C. Anyone with any experience with these players or has anyone had the chance to compare any of the players. The Sony XA777ES is a very good SACD player and a very decent redbook player. I am looking for something that would be a step above on the redbook cds. Thanks in advance for your comments.
Follow Ups:
I recommand Cambridge Azur 804C, it's a great CD player without high price tag. I compare with Ayre CX7e, it's sound too similar to me tell the difference. I had mine for about two month and I really enjoy it very much.
Both very different from one another but both very musical. They can be found used on audiogon. The Accustic Arts is the only player I have auditioned in my home that tops the Lector. Again, they are both excellent!
The Philips units have a built-in volume control, the Magnavox does not.The Magnavox CDC-745 5-disc changer IMO has a fabulous D/A section (better than just about anything put out today). And even stock, the sound is startlingly good. But with the Don Allen treatment, this may actually challenge my JVC/Prism DA-2 rig.
I have a Don Allen modded Magnavox 5 CD Changer CDC748/17 which I bought off a US Citizen. The transformer became faulty which I got rewound but to no avail. I love it's sound compared to any mid level CDP including Marantz CD6003 which I also happen to own. I'd be highly obliged if anyone could provide me with a Service Manual of the CDP.
Live & let live
Edits: 05/29/18
My information is not-so-current since it was based on a new CDP search a few years ago but I bought an Ayre CX-7 after auditioning the Naim CD-5 (with and without an added power supply), Linn Ikemi, Meridian 506.24, Arcam FMJ-CD23, Cary 303/200, and an Electrocompaniet EMC-1. I think all of these CDPs are comfortably better than the Sony XA777ES or SCD-1 (I've heard both in direct comparison to various Wadia players and the Ayre) for redbook. Since that search I've also heard the Cary 308T and 306/200 and the Arcam FMJ 33. I'm still really happy with my purchase. The Naim is fun but less neutral and less resolving than the Ayre CX-7. Ayre is an absolutely great company for reliability, value and product support(updates).
In my experience all CDPs are very sensitive to vibration/support, AC quality and both power cords and ICs. My CX-7 is sitting directly on a Neuance shelf (highly recommended!) currently supported by Herbie's Ebony Domes (I've also had good results with GoldenSound DH cones, Aurios and Stillpoints - I haven't made direct A-B comparisons with the Herbies yet). I'm using a VH Audio AireSine power cord directly into a dedicated AC outlet and TG Audio balanced ICs. The TG Audio SLVR power cord also works great with the Ayre.
I still have the XA777ES. I would not be able to audition even one of those players you had listed. Best available to me is the Sim Moon line. Tell will tell in how I feel about those players bang for buck versus XA777ES.
Beats me! Sorry to be so glib but one persons "HUGE improvement" can be another's "not really worth it". System, music and room context can really change the equation too. I think an Ayre CX-7, not even in the "e" version, is way better than the Sony but that is just my take. I haven't heard the Sims so I can't draw comparisons.I live several hours from any decent audio dealer these days so I'm sympathetic. I haven't heard them but the Rega Apollo and Saturn have gotten really good bang for the buck reviews (for whatever that is worth ).
Another CDP I have access to. Curious how this would stack up versus the XA777ES.I suppose I could find a Rega dealer within a reasonable driving distance from me. Those players may be be an attractive alternative to the XA777ES.
Sorry no. The only Musical Fidelity CDP I've heard was, I think, the A-3.2CD. It was driving Harbeth M30s with the matching Musical Fidelity integrated amp. It didn't sound very good but it was a strange room and strange system so where the problem was I can't say. I've heard the Harbeths sound much better in other situations.
Whats your budget? One of the option is to visit your audiophile stores and test some of the recommended cd players. Another option will be to purchase "used" after you carefully did your homework and got your options down pack. I have a the Jolida JD 100 superb sounding player with tubes, to me my player has a vinyl flavor to it kinda cool.
But since we both have Tyler Sig systems what the hell. I drive mine with a Primaluna Three/Five combo and the Raysonic mentioned below is a great fit into the system. Great imaging, detail, and even warmth. The Raysonic has outstanding dynamic range and impact.But, FWIW, I also have a Primaluna One and the fit with it and a Wadia 302 is even better (I don't particularily like the Raysonic with the One). Maybe a tad less detailed in an audiophile sense but more music oriented - when I listen to it I'm really not absorbed by its sonic presentation so much as I'm just listening to the music. :-)
FWIW.
Hi,I can't really comment on your a/m mentionned options, but if you want a really big and forward step in RBCD look no further than an Accuphase cd player. That was the end of the 'CD road' for me and I've listened to and owned a few high end pieces from different brands. Even the 'smallest' Accuphase will trounce many top tier models from other brands. I currently have the DP-57 and will never look back. If I ever upgrade one day, it will also be to an Accuphase.
Hope this helps
AP
# The path of the righteous man is beset on all sides by the inequities of the selfish and the tyranny of evil men # Jules Winnfield(Ezekiel 25:17)> Pulp Fiction <
I have the same linestage as you and just sold my own Sony XA777ES. Currently using a cheap Sony player (NS500V) for SACDs only and bought a Raysonic CD 128 for CDs. So far (just had it 10 days or so) I am VERY impressed by the Raysonic, which was the subject of a lengthy review on 6moons. You might check it out.
Or perhaps a return policy? TIA!
While, right out of the box, the Raysonic sounds notably better than the XA777ES, it then regresses into an extended break-in period during which you will think it's beyond hope. Once past this -- which you CAN accomplish during a tgwo-week trial period but only by playng it a LOT -- it opens up and sounds fantastic. At least it did for me.
My experience was identical to Dave Pogue's. The Raysonic sounded decent right out of the box, but then got worse through the mid-point of it's break-in period - so much worse it's worrisome. But then it starts getting better... until it gets downright thrilling... and then it still gets better. Give it 100 hours. Patience is definitely rewarded.
It may change in a few days or so but we'll see! :)6moons likes the Musical Fidelity A5. I believe MSRP is $2500 and I can get it well below that at a local dealer. They reviewed that CDP with the MF A5 amp. I'd be using my Rogue tube amps. Time will tell.
The Raysonic uses asynchronous sample-rate conversion. With short-term listening, it may indeed sound fantastic. The Benchmark DAC I had fared very well in this regard. But with long-term listening, it sneaks up gradually, and I'm overcome by a HF haze, which I've since realized was a symptom of ASRC.I thought the Benchmark was about become glorious after "burn-in".... The euphoria was short-lived, sad to say.
All conclusions and opinions considered I am now in my 5th month of ownership with the Raysonic cd128. I basically have gone through most of the mentioned ups and downs, "haze" etc, etc. I am retired and proably put in 3 to 5 hours a day of listening time. I very honestly can say that the 128 now has totally settled in to real satisfaction at all times. It will let you know when you put a badly recorded disc on, that is for sure but I do not have too many of those. I have finalized the interconnects for the last month or so to solid silver core. The signal goes through a Dared tube preamp and then to a Nelson Audio 30wpc tubed amplifier. The output tubes on this amp were rolled a bit until I hit on a balanced quad set of Shuguang KT-66. That was the magic number and that is now a permanent install. Speakers are Maggy 1.6's using a 8" driver sub behind each Maggy modified to be an infinite baffle and crossed over roughly at 80 hz. They definitely melded at that point. I am totally pleased with this setup and all listners have felt likewise so far. Just give your 128 about 200 hours and some judicious tweaks and you will be happy.
Yes, I got a 2-week return policy, subject to 10% restocking fee, from Quest for Sound (dealer/distributor) because there is no Raysonic dealer in my area.
Dave and I are on the same page on this one. I also acquired a new Raysonic cd128 CDP about 4 months ago. Without wearing out all the superlatives I can only say I am more than satisfied with this unit. It pretty much realizes everything I always thought a CDP should be, appearance, mechanical and electronic. And the sound is IMHO, gorgeous. I also use a inexpensive, Samsung DVD for all my surround discs. It decodes ALL the surround formats including DVD A and the audio is definitely acceptable. So I run 3 systems in my large listening room actually. One is Theatre surround, One is Audio surround formats and then there is my love, my all tube system off the Raysonic into my 1.6 Maggys. I have a beautiful rebuilt set of Dahlquist DQ-10's which do double duty as the fronts in both the theatre format and the audio surround. Love em! All is well in listeningville in my home.
nt
| ||||||||||||
|
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: