Help to pick audio CD player (1 Viewer)

[Serge Ch]

I want a player mainly for redbook CD listening, but SACD, DVD, DVD-A or changer would be a bonus. I narrowed my choices to these players. I might would have to get two players. I have no opportunity to audition most of them so I am asking your opinions which one has best redbook CD playback, perhaps in decending order:

1.Arcam CD72 - $500 used
http://www.arcam.co.uk/diva/hifi/cd82.html

2.Rega Planet 2000 - $550 used
http://www.rega.co.uk/html/planet.htm

3.ROTEL RCC-1055 CD changer - $500 used
http://www.rotel.com/products/cd-players.htm

3.Yamaha DVD-S2300 SACD/DVD-A/DVD - $800 new
http://www.yamaha.com/cgi-win/webcgi...00010DVD-S2300

4.Philips 963 SACD/DVD/CD 192 upsampling - $360 new
http://www.consumer.philips.com/glob...uctId=DVD963SA

5.Sony 222ES changer SACD/CD - $300 used




Are they all pretty close in terms of redbook playback quality or some stand off much more? Thank you!

 

[KeithH]

Serge, I have not used all of those players, but I'm sure you will find people who would favor any one of them if you look into this long enough. That said, I have used the Rega Planet 2000 and don't really like it. It is a good player, but it is too warm to my ears. It would not be my choice. On the other hand, the Arcam DiVA CD72T is a very good player. Definitely consider it. The Sony 'C222ES is an exceptional value given its CD replay quality, inclusion of stereo and multi-channel SACD replay, build quality, and convenience of a changer. However, I would not expect it to hold up to the Arcam player. I haven't done the side-by-side comparison, though.

The Rotel changer is intriguing. I haven't auditioned it, but I have been tempted to give it a listen at my local Rotel dealer. It was nice to see Rotel release a new changer. I think you should consider it.

The Philips '963SA has gotten good reviews as a CD player, though it has been much maligned on the video side. Also, I would be surprised if it kept up with the Arcam player. I wonder if the Rotel changer would also beat the '963SA. Finally, the Yamaha universal changer is an intriguing option, but I have found that universals tend to be lacking on the CD side.

It's too bad that you cannot readily audition any of these players. If you can, buy through a dealer where you can return a player if you aren't satisfied. Even if it means driving a good distance to get to a dealer or doing mail-order (through an authorized dealer), it will be worth it in the end.

 

[Scott_N]

My first choice would be the Arcam then the Rega. Those two are way better than the other choices. Just my opinion of course. The Arcam is very detailed and the Rega is laid back so it just depends on the rest of your system and sound preference.