CD player upgrade - like NAD but better?

[admin_exported]

Hi guys,

Would like to hear your suggestions regarding my friend's system. He wants to replace his old cd players- a Harman Kardon HD750 (great soundstage but not enough welly) and a much older Nad 5425 (good upfront and rounded delivery, but lacks soundstage and air around instruments). Basically he wants player with the HKs and NADs positive sound characteristics with added resolution when playing rock music. The rest of the system are: Musical Fidelity X-A2, Monitor Audio BR2, Technics SL1210, Nad PP3

Thanks

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[Anonymous]

Anyone? C'mon guys, assistance please...

 

[The_Lhc]

You might need to give it slightly longer than 47 minutes before complaining...

 

[John Duncan]

Kind of depends on how much money he wants to spend. For rock, at various price points, I'd look at Cambridge, Rega, Naim...

 

[Anonymous]

Rega Apollo, best out there for say just under £400

 

[d_a_n1979]

I think it all depends on budget and what music is listened to?

For under £500 you cant go wrong with either the NAD C545BEE CDP or the Rega Apollo CDP.

Both would work well with the system and the M/A BR2's

 

[Anonymous]

Thank you john,potboy and d_a_n for your inputs. We'll be looking for the Nad c455bee and Rega Apollo for auditions. I recalled what my friend said that he was looking for a player with dark sounding character to balance out the warm sound of the MF+MA combination.Someone i know suggested Arcam (cd72t or cd82t). What do you think of this player too? BTW, budget is around $500 to $600.

 

[crusaderlord]

Arcam would be my suggestion to try alongside the Rega. You could try a new FMJ model if you have the budget or find a CD73T which is always excellent value.

 

[JoelSim]

crusaderlord:Arcam would be my suggestion to try alongside the Rega. You could try a new FMJ model if you have the budget or find a CD73T which is always excellent value.

If you want an Arcam then a CD192 would be much better for what you want.

I would also be very tempted to change the speakers to something better if you want improved soundstage etc. The BR2s, whilst a good speaker are still entry level stuff and therefore have the associated limitations.

 

[d_a_n1979]

Deffo agree witn the Arcam recommendations as well.

Wasnt sure if you were after new or 2nd hand.

As Joel said; if you can find an Arcam CD192 you wont go wrong! Superb CDP and isnt easily outclassed, even by the Rega Apollo and I've owned both!

 

[Anonymous]

Acoustic Precision Eikos CDP .... as modified by Tom Evans .... don't think there are any new ones available, but if you are patient, you will find a used one ... Tom Evans still services them ... some good reviews on google

 

[cheyworth]

Like NAD but better!

Chris

 

[the record spot]

Why not check out Harman's recent HD990 CDP - shares many of the tech features found in the Cambridge 840C CDP, but for £500. You'll find it for less too as it's been seen on a deal for under £300 at times. You might find the sound of the 2010 HK is more to your taste. Be a shame to pass up the chance if you can try one out.

 

[Anonymous]

Acoustic Precision? Hmm, never heard of it but will check on that. Yes, Arcam will be on the checklist as well as the HK HD990.

Thank you gentlemen! Very helpful indeed