Hi, I am looking for a player to go with a Rotel RSX-1057 reciever I got about a month ago. I will look at NAD, Rotel, CEC,Ceek and Marantz SACD. I would appreciate any coments and info anyone might have on these products especially if there are any I could cross off the list. Thanks.

With a receiver of that quality, you can digitally feed it from pretty much any CD player on the planet and you'll get outstanding sound on account of the Rotel's DACs and HDCD processor. You'll have to buy a very expensive CD player before the CD player's DACs will better the Rotel's.

That said, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket, the RCD-1072 is a beautiful unit and would visually match up with the receiver well ;)

It depends. If you want to be able to play SACD as well as CD, then get the Marantz... Otherwise I would just match your Rotel receiver with the RCD-1072.

I own the RCD-1072 and have absolutely no complaints. If you want SACD then you want to look elsewhere.

i purchased the rotel 991 and this thing is incredible can be had for like 450-500 on audiogon!

HAVE A LISTEN TO THEIR LATEST rcd-06. THIS MAY REDEFINE YOUR SONIC EXPECTATIONS :)

HAVE A LISTEN TO THEIR LATEST rcd-06. THIS MAY REDEFINE YOUR SONIC EXPECTATIONS :)

Is that available in the USA yet? I only see it on the Global website. :confused:

rcd-1072

For dollar value it's tough to beat the "R's" , thats Rotel and Rega. In the less that 1k world they both offer superb units.

If it's helpful, I posted a review on the RCD02, the predecessor to the RCD-06, at Audio Asylum. It's a good CDP, but is on the analytical side. If your rig tends to the warmish side, a Rotel CDP might be a nice match. If your system is a little hot on the high end, however, you should try an in-home audition prior to committing to a Rotel CDP. What is your budget?

I have a Jolida CD-100A, and had it modified as well. Highly excellent CD player.

Since NAD is on your list, you may wish to consider the recently announced NAD T-585. Apparently it's based on the NAD M55 which has gotten good marks on Redbook as well as SACD and DVD-A.

For dollar value it's tough to beat the "R's" , thats Rotel and Rega. In the less that 1k world they both offer superb units.

I just bought a Rega Saturn. It's an extremely nice player. I would expect the Apollo to be a very nice palyer, given the design similarites between the it and the Saturn.

I just bought a Rega Saturn. It's an extremely nice player. I would expect the Apollo to be a very nice palyer, given the design similarites between the it and the Saturn.

i just auditioned the Apollo... it is indeed fantastic.
one of the best, if not the best, CDP under a kilobuck that i've ever heard.

Take a look at the Consonance CD 120. I considered quite a few players in the sub $1000. price range including the Rotel 1072, Music Hall 25.2, Onix 99/CD3 and Arcam (forget model#'s). After a suggestion from a very knowledgable forum member I checked out the CD 120. I read two very favorable reviews on Six Moons and Soundstage! and decided to order one from Stephen at Quest for Sound.

I really have not had the chance to spend more than a few hours listening to the CD 120 but so far I am very impressed. I am far from an audiophile and was listening to CDs with my Pioneer Elite 79avi DVD player. The SQ from the CD 120 compared to the 79avi is much improved to say the least.

I decided to get a dedicated CD player with the thoughts of having a system just for two channel listening. I will post back with my impressions when I have more time to spend with the CD 120. So I would suggest that anyone in this price range take a look at the CD 120.

Bill

I have a naive question. If you use a digital coaxial cable to connect your CD player and AVR or Pre/Pro, do you hear any differences among various CD players? Does the CD player do anything other than sending the bit streams to the AVR or Pre/Pro?

I have a naive question. If you use a digital coaxial cable to connect your CD player and AVR or Pre/Pro, do you hear any differences among various CD players? Does the CD player do anything other than sending the bit streams to the AVR or Pre/Pro?

This is a topic of hot debate. There are those who claim they can hear differences in transports. The issue has to do with jitter distortion. Others claim that modern buffering DACs systems have jitter well below audible levels.

In my case, I'm putting together a tube based 2-channel system. My preamp is all analog. Therefore, I wanted a well constructed player, with a good transport, a over designed DAC section, and a class A biased discreet analog output (as opposed to one designed with audio op amps). The Rega players meet all those objectives.

SM

Is there a CD changer that meets your requirements? One CD at a time does not work well for me. ;)

I have a few degrees in EE and I cannot figure out why a transport would make any differences. However, I got a ceramic ball interface for my CD changer and I heard a subtle difference! I am wondering if it is my imagination. :)

Can you describe your new tube system? I am thinking to get one too. :D

Thanks.

David

This is a topic of hot debate. There are those who claim they can hear differences in transports. The issue has to do with jitter distortion. Others claim that modern buffering DACs systems have jitter well below audible levels.

In my case, I'm putting together a tube based 2-channel system. My preamp is all analog. Therefore, I wanted a well constructed player, with a good transport, a over designed DAC section, and a class A biased discreet analog output (as opposed to one designed with audio op amps). The Rega players meet all those objectives.

SM

Is there a CD changer that meets your requirements? One CD at a time does not work well for me. ;)

I have a few degrees in EE and I cannot figure out why a transport would make any differences. However, I got a ceramic ball interface for my CD changer and I heard a subtle difference! I am wondering if it is my imagination. :)

Can you describe your new tube system? I am thinking to get one too. :D

Thanks.

David

I didn't want a changer, so I didn't look.
Currently I have a Rega Saturn CD, A Conrad Johnson Act 2, and Dali Euphonia MS5 Speakers. I am using an old ATI 2505 amp. I have it tri-wired and bi-amped, mostly because I didn't like the jumpers on the speakers (they were just wire and spades), and the ATI had plenty of channels. I usually make my own cables, but in this case I bought lengths of Canare Star quad that was terminated with WBT sleeves. I have yet to decide on a tube power amp. I'm looking in the 100-200 W rate.

SM

I am reseaching REGA and can't find any prices for their Saturn cd player or their 60watt integrated amp. Anyone have rough prices for these.

Thanks

I am reseaching REGA and can't find any prices for their Saturn cd player or their 60watt integrated amp. Anyone have rough prices for these.

Thanks

MSRP on the Saturn is $2400.

I am reseaching REGA and can't find any prices for their Saturn cd player or their 60watt integrated amp. Anyone have rough prices for these.

Thanks

These guys (http://www.soundorg.com/) are the US importers of the Rega line. Steve is very helpful and a nice guy. He can tell you where you can buy the Saturn or the Mira.

I've got an older Pioneer Elite 45 that I'm looking to replace with a dedicated CD player for our office. I was hoping for something in the <$800 range and also hoping for a matching pre/pro or 2-channel AVR. The Rotels are on my shortlist but I'm open to other ideas and suggestions. I'd hope to end up right around $2k for the pair.

J.

I've got an older Pioneer Elite 45 that I'm looking to replace with a dedicated CD player for our office. I was hoping for something in the <$800 range and also hoping for a matching pre/pro or 2-channel AVR. The Rotels are on my shortlist but I'm open to other ideas and suggestions. I'd hope to end up right around $2k for the pair.

J.

Right now I am running Rotel 1070 amp and preamp pair, and 1072 cd player and very happy with the sound. All together, it goes for MSRP $US 1,950.

Right now I am running Rotel 1070 amp and preamp pair, and 1072 cd player and very happy with the sound. All together, it goes for MSRP $US 1,950.
Any qualms or gripes about the setup? I remember reading something about one manufacturer's setup that indicated that you couldn't turn on/off the unit without the remote control, though I don't recall if it was the Rotel or otherwise. Also, are there any stand-out features that you really like about that setup. I'm really eyeballing the 1052/1072 combo, but I like the idea of separates, too, if there's a real benefit as far as those particular models go.

Thanks!

Jason

Any qualms or gripes about the setup? I remember reading something about one manufacturer's setup that indicated that you couldn't turn on/off the unit without the remote control, though I don't recall if it was the Rotel or otherwise. Also, are there any stand-out features that you really like about that setup. I'm really eyeballing the 1052/1072 combo, but I like the idea of separates, too, if there's a real benefit as far as those particular models go.

Thanks!

Jason

The Seperate Amp RB-1072, I leave on all the time.
The Preamp RC-1072 can be turn off by remote and push button
The CD can be turn off by button and preamp remote IF the CD player gets its power from the preamp.

The amp never exceeds "barely warm to the touch" if that is a concern. The CD Player doesnt scan through tracks as quickly as I would like.

If you want to save a little and dont need as much power, the 1072 and Rotel Integrated amp offer a great setup.

Right now I am running Rotel 1070 amp and preamp pair, and 1072 cd player and very happy with the sound. All together, it goes for MSRP $US 1,950.
Any qualms or gripes about the setup? I remember reading something about one manufacturer's setup that indicated that you couldn't turn on/off the unit without the remote control, though I don't recall if it was the Rotel or otherwise. Also, are there any stand-out features that you really like about that setup. I'm really eyeballing the 1052/1072 combo, but I like the idea of separates, too, if there's a real benefit as far as those particular models go.

Thanks!

Jason

Just a courtesy bump to remind the thread that it's not dead yet...:)

J.

I have a 1052 powering Onix Ref 1's and will be purchasing the 1072 to go with it. The 1052 was full retail ~$990. I'll also be paying full retail for the 1072, ~$700. It's a $200 difference between separates and the receiver, although the receiver also has a tuner. I can't say how happy I am with the 1052. It's excellent. Video switching is really the reason I went with it over the few other providers of stereo receivers.

Another player to seriously consider is the new Cambridge Audio 840C. Here is a link to recent review:http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/assets/documents/Hi-FIChoiceNov06840Clicensedreprint.pdf And msrp is $1375.00.

Another player to seriously consider is the new Cambridge Audio 840C. Here is a link to recent review:http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/assets/documents/Hi-FIChoiceNov06840Clicensedreprint.pdf And msrp is $1375.00.

cool thing about the 840 is that it has digital inputs, so it can be used as an outboard DAC (for a cable box or streaming audio, for instance). that's a neat little feature i wish more units had.

Here is some additional technical info on the dacs in the Cambridge Audio 840C: http://www.analog.com/processors/blackfin/overview/customerstories/anagram/anagramindex.html

While it looks nice, the Cambridge unit is out of my price range. Maybe the Rotel pair or see if I can find something for my DV-45a. I still have to buy stands for my Studio 20's.

J.

I have a Jolida CD-100A, and had it modified as well. Highly excellent CD player.

This is a very nice deck whether you modify it or not. High quality a very smooth sounding and pretty darn cheap for the quality if you ask me.

any thoughts on the musical fidelity a5 cdp

any thoughts on the musical fidelity a5 cdp

Musical Fidelity makes a nice product. Kevin at Upscale Audio can answer your question better than I can, he loves them.

I added an Ayre CX-7e to my listening room and am more than pleased with the player.

My system includes a Cary SLI-80 Signature F1, Totem Model 1 Signature's, and the Ayre player. The sound stage is excellent.
People have asked me whether Richard Grey's power station is a subwoofer. :eek:

To be sure, there are so many great players out today; it took me six month's before I decided on the Ayre, I'm glad I did.

Good Luck,
Winkelmann

To be sure, there are so many great players out today; it took me six month's before I decided on the Ayre, I'm glad I did.

If you don't mind me asking, what were the other CDPs you looked at before settling on the Ayre? :)

...what were the other CDPs you looked at before settling on the Ayre? :)

The price points were all over the place, what mattered to me most was that it played CD's well. I didn't care if it played DVD, SACD or any other format; if that bothered me I'd pony up and put together a serious vinyl collection. Besides, I already have a CD collection.

It all started with the 47 Laboratory Flatfish, but, I thought it took up too much shelf space. Plus, I couldn't give it an audition. Would you buy equipment based only on reviews?

The other players included, McCormack, Cary, Krell, Meridian, Musical Fidelity, Linn, Rega, Simaudio, and NAD.
Again, some players were not carried by local dealers or overloaded with features.
If I did get to listen to a unit- I looked at the quality of the chassis, the ease & silence of the CD transport and a nice on board DAC. I already had the specs from the websites.

When I went to listen to the Linn the store didn't stock the player, so the salesman decided (since I was dressed like a roadie for Tom Waits) he'd try to push a NAD on me; the power supply was not working, oops; no sale.

As soon as I heard the Ayre I knew that I'd found it in the last place I looked. I should have begun my search alphabetically. :D

Since NAD is on your list, you may wish to consider the recently announced NAD T-585. Apparently it's based on the NAD M55 which has gotten good marks on Redbook as well as SACD and DVD-A.

Hello all. I am new here. Is there a review of this unit anywhere?

Take a look at the Consonance CD 120. I considered quite a few players in the sub $1000. price range including the Rotel 1072, Music Hall 25.2, Onix 99/CD3 and Arcam (forget model#'s)...So I would suggest that anyone in this price range take a look at the CD 120.

Bill

Bill,
There are some audiophiles which prefer the latest entry level Toshiba DVD player (SD-3990) to both the rotel 1072 (http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/digital/messages/126119.html) and the Consonance CD-120 (http://gnu.295.ca/~peak/audio/sacred_cow.html#15). The unit I have sounds splendid but needs some careful feeding (http://gnu.295.ca/~peak/audio/transport.html#3990_eval) by run-in and isolation

cheers,
PeAK

For what it's worth I've heard from a few sources that the rotel is just a rebatched phillips.

For what it's worth I've heard from a few sources that the rotel is just a rebatched phillips.

What are your sources?

In any case, Phillips and Sony had a place in the invention of the CD Player/transport spec. Its too easy to say "oh thats a sony/philliips transport" since most if not all follow the same spec.

The main differences in all cd players lie in the power supply and the DAC and operating Amp sections. Not to mention, cosmetics and heat dissipation.

cool thing about the 840 is that it has digital inputs, so it can be used as an outboard DAC (for a cable box or streaming audio, for instance). that's a neat little feature i wish more units had.

So does the 740C (dual Wolfson DACs) for under a $1000. In fact both these players have 2 extra inputs.

So does the 740C (dual Wolfson DACs) for under a $1000. In fact both these players have 2 extra inputs.

i haven't seen anywhere that has the 740C in stock yet, at least stateside.

Arcam makes some good stuff either the Diva CD73 or CD192.. Worth a look..

http://www.arcam.co.uk/diva_prod_range.cfm

i haven't seen anywhere that has the 740C in stock yet, at least stateside.

I have one on order as we speak. I will let you know what the lead time is, if any.

i haven't seen anywhere that has the 740C in stock yet, at least stateside.

Just talked to my dealer, he verified with the distributor 5 or 6 day delivery, no problem (for my location in CA).

Just talked to my dealer, he verified with the distributor 5 or 6 day delivery, no problem (for my location in CA).

have you auditioned it? it uses a different DAC configuration than both the 640C and the 840C, doesn't it?

have you auditioned it? it uses a different DAC configuration than both the 640C and the 840C, doesn't it?

It uses the same DAC configuration as the 640C and the same adaptive upsampling technology as the 840C.
No, I have not auditioned it. But the 640C extensively. I can not imagine it would sound much different. The benefit of additional inputs is also important to me.
Per the distributor in Indiana, they are going fast.

For what it's worth I've heard from a few sources that the rotel is just a rebatched phillips.

I'm pretty sure the 1072 has a Sony transport.

I would say with a Rotel or buy a tube player. But you might what to deside based on the type of music you like ,because that makes a big difference in what player you get also.