£1500 cdp audition shortlist help pls?

[admin_exported]

i have decided to ditch the idea of using my 875 as an amp for a cd player and go for a dedicated seperate hifi option as most have suggested on this forum. Im going to start with a decent cd player first (one which i dont intend to upgrade for quite a while i hope) and willing to spend up to £1500 on it with the idea that i will spend the same again on an amp and yet again on the speakers as funds permit. Ive read whfsv and drawn up a small list to audition but i would really welcome any ideas from anyone. I listen to everything from tracy chapman to rock to classical so its a very varied mix.

 

[Anonymous]

If i was spending that kind of money id be looking at a Exposure 3010s cdp or something from the entry level Naim gear.........think the Exposure would be top of my list though, around £1200 , so a bit of change to...yay!!

 

[Anonymous]

thought of the naim 5i, primare i30 rega saturn and lyngdorf cd1. There seems to be too much choice (as if thats a bad thing ). Have you heard any of the shanling cdp's? Apparently meant to be quite good but not heard them.

 

[the record spot]

The AVI Lab series CDP wasn't bad and I think Moon have a new CDP out? Or is that an amp? Whichever!!

Great things are written of the £1500 Shanling (can't recall the number offhand). Also Eastern Electric's Minimax CDP is apparently a thing of wonder. I'd widen your scope a little to the usual WHF suspects at this price point.

 

[Lugs]

The choice is huge!!!!!!!

What do you listen too and how do you want it ?

Good budget though :->

For that money I'd be looking at a two box solution (cyrus perhaps) or a "proper high end" 2nd hand player.

Personally I use the Sugden Masterclass (I really like the old TDA1541 DAC used in the unit) which you can get for about +/-£1000 on the second hand market but it may not be too your taste if you want your tunes more upfront (?). Or how about a Classe? Now that is a CDP.

Remember to budget for the interconnect though to get the performance. A good XLR every time.

 

[Anonymous]

thanks for the advice. My music tastes are very wide ranging from classical to rock. Basically i want the music to sound as intended with nothing taken out nor added to although i am aware that each manufacturer has its own traits etc. I am very wary of buying second hand from an ad, i just don't have the knowledge, unless from a dealer and there isn't many in my area who sell used equipment. If it all possible i would like to have a short list of 6 or so cd players to audition and spend a day or 2 to test before i buy. This is where i hope you guys could help

 

[Clare Newsome]

If the money doesn't burn a hole in your pocket over the next couple of weeks, we have a Supertest of @£1000 CD players in our June issue, out 1st May.

The seven models we are testing are:

• Moon CD-1
• Naim CD5i
• Leema Stream
• Roksan Caspian M Series
• Creek Destiny
• Cambridge Audio Azur 840C
• Cairn Tornado

 

[Anonymous]

[quote user="Clare Newsome"]
If the money doesn't burn a hole in your pocket over the next couple of weeks, we have a Supertest of @£1000 CD players in our June issue, out 1st May.

The seven models we are testing are:

• Moon CD-1
• Naim CD5i
• Leema Stream
• Roksan Caspian M Series
• Creek Destiny
• Cambridge Audio Azur 840C
• Cairn Tornado

[/quote]

Hey Clare, does the naim cd5i allow you to search tracks as well as skip from the front controls?

 

[Anonymous]

thanks clare. I was thinking of buying at the end of may so thats impeccible timing. Have you any thoughts or opinions on the "valve cdp's?"