CEC TL 51XR

Digital Drive

Upsamplers, DACs, jitter, shakes and analogue withdrawals, this is it.

I've recently came across Larry Cox review of this player for Positive Feedback.
Larry is one of the few guys whose taste in audio I highly appreciate (ATC speakers, EAR amps etc) so I've started thinking about this machine again. I remember spotting it a year or so ago when it was really cheap with the Far East dealers ($1200 or less). Now I was really surprised to see that Larry put it so high on a list of his preferred CDPs, just under the EAR Acute expensive monster.
I am wondering if anyone had a chance to listen to CEC 51XR, especially comparing to any of the models within a relevant price range (Quad 99 CDP-2, Rega Apollo/Saturn, Cambridge 840C).
To be honest, I am really getting hot about it, although I am a bit concerned if a puck would be something my wife would get used to (OK, I know you can't answer to this:)). Also, anyone has a clue about longevity of a laser/transport mechanism (what's inside) as well as of a belt.
About my music preferences: what I highly value is a natural presentation and ability to portray music not just as a sum of audiophile details (that many just go for: imaging, space, 3D etc) but rather as an emotional experience. For example, I've recently discovered that my current CDP (Thule CD150B Spirit) has two different presentations, depending what outputs you use (balanced or unbalanced). Eventually I went for RCA outputs that sound less flashy and detailed but more organic and coherent, reminding me of a live thing.
The rest of my system is very revealing and clean - ATC 20A active speakers, different preamps (depending on my moods:), upmarket VdH cables.
Anyway, I would appreciate any observations or thoughs on the CEC player from those who had a chance to hear it, or even better, use it.
Thanks Gordan

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Topic - CEC TL 51XR - gordan 12:51:05 03/23/07 (0)

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