I got the upgrade bug again. I have a California Audio Labs Alpha and Delta combo and I want something that is going to be a significant upgrade. I don't want to spend more than $3,000 and I don't mind buying used. My CAL is very satisfying but I am thinking it's 13 years old and hopefully there are a lot better players to be had. My basic system includes Dynaudio 3.3s, Classe CP60 and an Anthem AVM20, Simaudio Titan. I still enjoy LP's and prefer a warmer musical sound as opposed to analytical and detailed.
thanks

My 0.02. If you are only interested in redbook playback only a used ARC CD3MKII might be the ticket for you although I am not 100% sure it will fit the bill. If you are looking for a slightly warm/tube sound a Cary 300/303 might be a good choice.

Some folks around here swear that a modded Jolida is a top quality CDP but I have not heard the unit so no comments. BTW purely from a synergy point of view maybe a Classe CDP will give you the best overall sound.

HTH.

Sincerely,
-dollarman

I'm still a big fan of getting a good outboard DAC. But if you're looking at a stand alone CD player, Bryston is supposed to show one on CES around that price point. Ayre has one around that price point too.

i'm sure i don't have as much experience as HighEndWire, but my inclination is to go for a 1-box solution. i was very impressed with the Rega Saturn when i heard it, as well as the Cary 303.

i'm sure i don't have as much experience as HighEndWire, but my inclination is to go for a 1-box solution. i was very impressed with the Rega Saturn when i heard it, as well as the Cary 303.

There is always something to be said about a one box solution. One size does not fit all. That's why Baskin Robbins has multiple flavors. Everything has positives and negatives. Somwhere down the road (perhaps less than a couple of yrs.), I'll be looking at perhaps building a HTPC with built in stuff that I have outboard separate components now (e.g. HD TV Tuner, DVD Recorder, CD recorder). By that time they will be more than due for an upgrade. The advantage of an outboard DAC is that is does not have moving parts like a transport in a CD player. Many have multiple inputs (so that you can connect different transports or devices - e.g. computer based music hard drive as well as a traditional transport like a DVD player or CD player) and also some a record output loop (which I find useful for making quality CD-Rs for the car as I don't use my media in there and going from one transport into my outboard CD recorder via the DAC I don't need to worry about copy protected CDs and having a problem like some might encounter in a PC). If you have DVD-As (or DVD-Vs like the deluxe version of Neil Young's "Greatest Hits") that allow the 2-channel mix to be sent digitally a DAC can be nice. With a one box solution you don't have to worry about extra cabling as you would typcially have a digital cable to the DAC and an an analog cable coming from the DAC as well as messing around to see how different transports perform with the DAC. Not to mention the fact that you have one box vs. two.

I do understand simplicity as a bit over a yr. ago I sold my Modwright XA-777ES (for CD and SACD) and my Sony TA-P9000ES (multi-channel preamp I used to switch between multi-channel SACD and DVD-A) and went with the Marantz DV9600 universal (which is my best transport too with the DAC for CD playback). Some might want a CD/SACD player. While I have lots of SACDs (a bit over 200), it became apparent to me that of the new music software I was buying, SACD and DVD-A were becoming a very small minority. I also personally prefer 2-channel vs. multi-channel mixes most of the time and a good portion of the investment I had (mod to player and TA-P9000ES multi-channel preamp) was for multi-channel and in my case it was better to sell stuff while it is still worth a decent amt. The nice part about having the DAC is that if at some point I decide to move the DV9600 either to another system (I have 3) or sell it, I can still use the DAC. I've help set-up so many systems and compared many expensive CD players and other components and within my budget comfort combined with such experience, I'd have a hard time justifying a really expensive CD player (and I've bought really expensive things in the past that were silly expensive for the particular type of product and I would not do it again). Digital stuff seems change more rapidly vs. other things in audio and who knows what will happen 5 yrs. down the road (e.g. will physical media start to become less abundant, will Warner's concept of music albums on DVD with extras like ringtones and MP3s replace 2-channel CDs). If one owns 600 CDs, paying $3k for a player means $5/CD for the privilege to play each one (factoring whatever add'l ones you will buy by the time the player is less than current) and if one has 3,000 CDs the answer is quite different.

Ken,

Unlike yourself, I prefer detail though I do like adding a touch of warmth with a valve pre. I personally think that accurate is a good base for musicality and doesn't have to be analytical so I have just purchased an Arcam CD36 as a one box solution after extensive listening to many brands.

However to try and help with your question, many of the players I listened to were also very fine machines and may be considered warmer than the CD36. I suggest that Cryus CD8x and Primare 31 were excellent all rounders. I personally wasn't overwhelmed by the Saturn but don't take that as a negative, just me. What I was pleasantly surprised at was how well the Arcam CD192 and Primare 21 held up in comparison though at a lower price point and wished I could have tried the CA 840C. Also, a Squeezebox with a modified power supply I found astonishingly good. Though I never completed an A/B with any of the players mentioned, it was certainly have been in the mix if I hadn't wanted a CD player as such. I never had time to listen extensively to Naim, Ayre, Classe or Meridian but they all have very sound reputations.

Don't know if this will help for ideas but best of luck and good listening.

Thanks for the suggestions. I am going to put Ayre, Classe and Cary on my short list of CD Players to listen to. Maybe I should consider upgrading my DAC and keep my transport.

I got the upgrade bug again. I have a California Audio Labs Alpha and Delta combo and I want something that is going to be a significant upgrade. I don't want to spend more than $3,000 and I don't mind buying used. My CAL is very satisfying but I am thinking it's 13 years old and hopefully there are a lot better players to be had. My basic system includes Dynaudio 3.3s, Classe CP60 and an Anthem AVM20, Simaudio Titan. I still enjoy LP's and prefer a warmer musical sound as opposed to analytical and detailed.
thanks

Ken,

What have you heard that triggered the upgrade bug? That might give us some clues as to what sound you are after...

I, too, like a musical, sweet sound. You might want to consider a used Audio Aero Capitole mkII player (you could get the SE upgrade later if you get the upgrade itch again). The Prima DAC will get you a similar sound, without transport.

I cannot afford that high-end of a product, and opted for a McCormack UDP-1 universal player.

- Steve O.

Steve,
I haven't heard anything recently. My Alpha is 13 years old, that was the year Intel released the Pentium 60 mhz. I would think that in all that time there must be some meaningful improvements? I have heard good things about Audio Aero products but haven't heard them.

I concur with Dollarman, I'm presently using a Cary Audio 303/300, rolled in a a pair of
Phillips (Holland) 12AU7's and couldn't be happier !! FWIW, I too owned the CAL combo you have now and was quite happy with it as is my son (he now has it performing in his system). If you can find one on the "Gon" it will be well within your budget.

Also the Musical Fidelity A-5 would be a nice unit to consider.

I concur with Dollarman, I'm presently using a Cary Audio 303/300, rolled in a a pair of
Phillips (Holland) 12AU7's and couldn't be happier !! FWIW, I too owned the CAL combo you have now and was quite happy with it as is my son (he now has it performing in his system). If you can find one on the "Gon" it will be well within your budget.

Also the Musical Fidelity A-5 would be a nice unit to consider.

How does the Cary compare to your old CAL setup? Are their significant improvments?
thanks

I got the upgrade bug again. I have a California Audio Labs Alpha and Delta combo and I want something that is going to be a significant upgrade. I don't want to spend more than $3,000 and I don't mind buying used. My CAL is very satisfying but I am thinking it's 13 years old and hopefully there are a lot better players to be had. My basic system includes Dynaudio 3.3s, Classe CP60 and an Anthem AVM20, Simaudio Titan. I still enjoy LP's and prefer a warmer musical sound as opposed to analytical and detailed.
thanks
Why in god's name would you (or anyone) spend that kind of $ on a CD player? Unless you have Superman-type hearing, you will never detect any difference.

because its eleven, eleven, eleven....

______________________________
Well, it's one louder, isn't it? It's not ten. You see, most blokes, you know, will be playing at ten. You're on ten here, all the way up, all the way up, all the way up, you're on ten on your guitar. Where can you go from there? Where?.... Nowhere. Exactly.
Nigel

Have had the MF A5 and now have the Cary 303/300. Big improvement in body and weight to the music. I really like the ability to switch, on the fly, between digital out and tube out with the Cary.

Have considered giving the Raysonic a whirl.

Have had the MF A5 and now have the Cary 303/300. Big improvement in body and weight to the music. I really like the ability to switch, on the fly, between digital out and tube out with the Cary.

Have considered giving the Raysonic a whirl.
This is proof of the power of imagination. Unless you were born on the planet Krypton, there is no way your ears are sensitive enough to distinguish such trivial differences.

This is proof of the power of imagination. Unless you were born on the planet Krypton, there is no way my ears are sensitive enough to distinguish such trivial differences.

fixed it for you. ;)

fixed it for you. ;)
There was nothing to fix.
It must be nice to be as clever as you incorrectly think you are. :p

This is proof of the power of imagination. Unless you were born on the planet Krypton, there is no way your ears are sensitive enough to distinguish such trivial differences.

PULLIAMM,

I don't think it's right for you to start making claims about another person's hearing.

It does not require golden ears to hear audible improvements offered by good hifi such as a wider soundstage, deeper soundstage, better low and high frequency extension. A good source can produce a more 3D presentation of music.

I wouldn't mind to have you over to my listening room sometime and I would be more than happy to set up various front-ends for a comparison. You would definitely be surprised! It's too bad you don't live near Phoenix...

I respect your opinions on audio/video, but when you start telling other people they can't hear properly, that's becoming a borderline personal attack.

- Steve O.

I respect your opinions on audio/video, but when you start telling other people they can't hear properly, that's becoming a borderline personal attack.

It might be considered a personal attack if I were claiming that a specific individual cannot hear those microscopic (microphonic?) differences. What I am saying, however, is that nobody can. When someone hears an improvement from an expensive CDP, I think it is placebo effect caused by the need to justify spending all that money.

It might be considered a personal attack if I were claiming that a specific individual cannot hear those microscopic (microphonic?) differences. What I am saying, however, is that nobody can. When someone hears an improvement from an expensive CDP, I think it is placebo effect caused by the need to justify spending all that money.

PULLIAM,

You are entitled to that opinion ;)

A/V is just a hobby for me, and I really enjoy listening to music and watching concerts at home. It's a lot of fun to upgrade a component and actually be able to hear improvements in all of my albums and concert videos. If memory serves me correctly, you have experienced the same with your loudspeaker upgrades, so I think you can understand where I'm coming from.

My offer will always be open to you - come on over with your music and I'll audition for you the differences between budget, mid-fi, and hifi sources.

- Steve O.

It might be considered a personal attack if I were claiming that a specific individual cannot hear those microscopic (microphonic?) differences. What I am saying, however, is that nobody can. When someone hears an improvement from an expensive CDP, I think it is placebo effect caused by the need to justify spending all that money.

there's nothing wrong, per se, with having that opinion. the problem is that yours is an uninformed opinion.

you didn't reach your conclusion through experience... you arbitrarily chose it as your opinion, probably because it helps you set yourself up as the contrarian, which you obviously relish.

If memory serves me correctly, you have experienced the same with your loudspeaker upgrades, so I think you can understand where I'm coming from.

Loudspeaker upgrades do make a very big difference. Amplifier upgrades can also make some difference, especially if the amp being replaced was a bit underpowered for the particular speakers. Today's cheapest DVD players have more sophisticated audio processing than the highest-end players of a few years ago, and even the cheaper ones back then were near perfect to within the limits of human hearing.

Today's cheapest DVD players have more sophisticated audio processing than the highest-end players of a few years ago, and even the cheaper ones back then were near perfect to within the limits of human hearing.

references, please?

references, please?
One of the many CD (and DVD) players I auditioned in my system while approaching this conclusion was an entry-level Yamaha from 1990. It sounded just as good as any of the others (including much more expensive models in stores as well.)

One of the many CD (and DVD) players I auditioned in my system while approaching this conclusion was an entry-level Yamaha from 1990. It sounded just as good as any of the others (including much more expensive models in stores as well.)

this anecdotal opinion is not relevant to your statement that "Today's cheapest DVD players have more sophisticated audio processing than the highest-end players of a few years ago, and even the cheaper ones back then were near perfect to within the limits of human hearing."

this anecdotal opinion is not relevant to your statement that "Today's cheapest DVD players have more sophisticated audio processing than the highest-end players of a few years ago, and even the cheaper ones back then were near perfect to within the limits of human hearing."
Of course it is relevant. That fact is the reason that no more expensive new one sounded better. As a simple example of the first part of the statement, just check out the VLSC circuitry that used to only be found in Onkyo's $1000-plus CDPs and is now in my under-$200 player. For the second part, check out the classic Stereophile article in which professional reviewers could not distinguish top-of-the-line CDPs from a Sony Discman in a double-blind test.
(Don't forget that before I started this research I was considering dropping over $500 on a new CDP. Good thing I found out the truth in time, since I would have just been flushing my $ down the toilet.)

How does the Cary compare to your old CAL setup? Are their significant improvments?
thanks


To start with there are multiple sampling rates (44.1 to 768kHz) to choose from as well as output choice of SS vs 12Au7 tubes.

regardless of what Pullimman says (I wonder........did his mother have any kids that lived ???) the Cary imparts a greater sense of "air", or to put another way, another viel has been lifted so as to better locate individual instruments within the soundstage. Jazz recodings, chamber music, etc. being most noteable.

to prove a point shortly after I got my Cary 303/300 I did a blind A/B comparison between it and my el cheapo Pioneer Elite DVD 45A player,it's used soley for HT but it's two channel audio feeds through my ARC LS-26. With the wifes aide I had no trouble telling the difference save one CD (Chuck Mangiones - Childern of Sanchez). It's a horribly produced Cd that actually sounded worse on the Cary !

Of course it is relevant. That fact is the reason that no more expensive new one sounded better. As a simple example of the first part of the statement, just check out the VLSC circuitry that used to only be found in Onkyo's $1000-plus CDPs and is now in my under-$200 player. For the second part, check out the classic Stereophile article in which professional reviewers could not distinguish top-of-the-line CDPs from a Sony Discman in a double-blind test.
(Don't forget that before I started this research I was considering dropping over $500 on a new CDP. Good thing I found out the truth in time, since I would have just been flushing my $ down the toilet.)

Sorry to say it but $500.00 retail on CD player just does not give you the sound quality that the cdp's in this thread do. I have owned 30.00 DVD players for the spare bedrooms and have for fun have plugged them in and A/B them against my Musical Fidelity KW DM25 Super System as well as the Sim Audio and of course they below them away in every aspect of the music. It's like one is a toy and the others are serious audiophile equipment. Also, I have owned the Cary ($3500) and MF A5 ($2650) and the both the Sim Audio ($7000) and MF KW ($6500) blew those players away again in every way. There is a reason why "crazy" people spend $5000 to $10,000 on cdp.

You have always been a non-believer and I don't think anyone on this forum is going to convince you otherwise. If you are ever in Tucson I would be happy to play a good cdp for you. If you wish I will go to Bestbuy and buy one they sell and we can A/B it against one of mine.

D

First post.

Thanks to everyone for their views, interesting discussion.
I have a few questions about the difference between mid/hi CDPs.

What would one expect to hear different with Redbook playback between a Rotel RCD-1072, Denon-DVD3930, and a Classe CDP-102 with all else being equal ?

Besides the obvious price difference what additional performance would one player bring over the other? What level of system would be needed to 'hear' the difference and what should you be listening for when making a comparison?

Has anyone compared these ?

To start with there are multiple sampling rates (44.1 to 768kHz) to choose from as well as output choice of SS vs 12Au7 tubes.

regardless of what Pullimman says (I wonder........did his mother have any kids that lived ???) the Cary imparts a greater sense of "air", or to put another way, another viel has been lifted so as to better locate individual instruments within the soundstage. Jazz recodings, chamber music, etc. being most noteable.

to prove a point shortly after I got my Cary 303/300 I did a blind A/B comparison between it and my el cheapo Pioneer Elite DVD 45A player,it's used soley for HT but it's two channel audio feeds through my ARC LS-26. With the wifes aide I had no trouble telling the difference save one CD (Chuck Mangiones - Childern of Sanchez). It's a horribly produced Cd that actually sounded worse on the Cary !

Twitch thanks for you comments. I'm going to keep and eye out for a Cary on audiogon. BTW has anyone here heard an Audio Aero?

Non-believers kindly leave this thread alone. The OP HAS NOT asked whether there is any audible difference between a $200 and $2000 CDP, rather he has asked for recommendations around 3K mark.

twitch54 as you are running an LS26 I was wondering whether you ever tried the CD3MKII in your system. Depending on other components in your system the ARC synergy might take your listening experience to another level.

To the OP I have not heard AA but AFAIK its in another league both in terms of price and performance compared to the Cary. BTW is there a reason that you are looking for a tube CDP. I ask because IMHO it is not a good idea to do that but YMMV.

Sincerely,
-dollarman

Non-believers kindly leave this thread alone. The OP HAS NOT asked whether there is any audible difference between a $200 and $2000 CDP, rather he has asked for recommendations around 3K mark.

Any such recommendation must be based on the assumption that the CDP being recommended actually does sound superior in some way, which is an inherently false assumption.

Any such recommendation must be based on the assumption that the CDP being recommended actually does sound superior in some way, which is an inherently false assumption.

interesting how you refuse to believe a relatively complex piece of machinery will make no difference, yet you swear by your Kimber Kable interconnects. you just like to be a naysayer, no matter the discussion.

speaking out both sides of your mouth.

twitch54 as you are running an LS26 I was wondering whether you ever tried the CD3MKII in your system. Depending on other components in your system the ARC synergy might take your listening experience to another level.
Sincerely,
-dollarman


dollarman, Good morning, while I have listened to the ARC Cd players, I have not done so through my system. My purchase of the Cary was based on three things.........Good reviews, heard it through a freinds system that I was famillar with, lucked into a "killer' deal on Audiogon when I purchased it last Sept.

Truth is , would I have payed retail for it..... probably not, I would have opted for the Musical Fidelity A-5 instead, but now that I've had it, happy as a cucumber !! FWIW , I'm still primarily an analog guy though !!

Hi,

The Audio Aero Capitole mkII SE (or non-SE) could be a very cost effective component for someone wanting a tubed CDP/DAC and linestage. It is capable of driving amps directly from its unbalanced/balanced outputs.

It has a musical and sweet sound, but not bloated (i.e. instruments like brass or piano do not sound exaggerated or larger than life).

An in-home audition is highly recommended...

- Steve O.

Dollarman, well said.

Scorn1, welcome.
Whilst it’s a little bit off the OPs topic and hence perhaps more appropriate to a different thread, in general terms when you are listening for differences you firstly need an open mind. :) Don’t start off believing you either will or won’t, start with the assumption that you might or might not. Then whatever happens will be the truth for you.
Secondly, you must listen to the components for yourself and preferably in your own system. The only way you learn to discern fine cuisine is to dine out, not listen to others discussing the menu. Trying dishes again and again over time is the only way to learn the difference between a fine tomato sauce and ketchup.
Thirdly, only compare one pair of items at a time with minimal other changes. A tiny change in loudness will be perceived as a big difference.
Fourthly, don’t just listen blindly. Develop a methodology that suits you. I tend to examine the high, mid, and low frequencies separately but don’t forget the whole such as a drum kit. Do the cymbals seem to be where they should be or miles away from the rest of the kit. You do need a CD that you can trust though as some engineers have some weird ways of producing a recording. I’ve found that orchestral brass and strings are top differentiators for detail and resolution and voices and solo instruments (except piano which is great) generally less so.
So to answer your question as to what would the OP be looking for at the high end, presumably a frequency response, balance, detail, timing, soundstage and imaging that to him are perceivably better and worth the delta in cost, than a lesser machine as good as it is.

My final advice is that if you do try the above and hear differences, don’t tell anyone or the ketchup eaters of the world will be after you. :)

Any such recommendation must be based on the assumption that the CDP being recommended actually does sound superior in some way, which is an inherently false assumption.


This may be a bit too oversimplified for some, but IMHO if you've not heard a specific piece of audio equipment, then you are not really qualified to comment on its' value or pass judgement on its' sonic capabilities. ;)

Such a shame that threads started in earnest always deteriorate into territorial pissing...

I know this is not a 3k piece but have you heard the Cambridge Audio Azur 840C? I listened to the 840 but purchased the 540 and both are incredible for the money and I would put them up with the best on the market for 3 to 4 times the price. The 840 is very smooth with very detailed not bright upper midrange and highs with a very tight bass.

I know you are looking in the 3k range but the 840 will compete if not beat most 3k units on the market eventhough it sells for $1300 or so.

dollarman, Good morning, while I have listened to the ARC Cd players, I have not done so through my system. My purchase of the Cary was based on three things.........Good reviews, heard it through a freinds system that I was famillar with, lucked into a "killer' deal on Audiogon when I purchased it last Sept.

Truth is , would I have payed retail for it..... probably not, I would have opted for the Musical Fidelity A-5 instead, but now that I've had it, happy as a cucumber !! FWIW , I'm still primarily an analog guy though !!

Mate if you are happy with the sound thats all that matters.

I hope objectivists haven't (yet) developed a DBT or level matching methodolgy etc to test the level of happiness with one's AV gear :p

I think you should try to listen to a Linn Ikemi. I auditioned it against most of the players mentioned here and found it to have the best sound to my ears. Highly defined and warm with good bass and beautiful trebles.

Of course, you need to have electronics that bring out the subleties of these high end players.

I think you should try to listen to a Linn Ikemi. I auditioned it against most of the players mentioned here and found it to have the best sound to my ears. Highly defined and warm with good bass and beautiful trebles.

Of course, you need to have electronics that bring out the subleties of these high end players.

I've heard a lot of good things about the Linn CD players. Have not heard any, but would welcome the opportunity.

I just received a Melody CD-M10 tube player from the company well-known for their elegant tube amplifiers. It's got tube rectification and uses the highly regarded 6SN7 signal tubes. It also weighs 70lbs.! Uses two huge C-core transformers in its' overbuilt power supply. Sony transport. Mundorf M-Cap Surpreme Silver and Gold output caps. BB PCM1792 DAC. Balanced and single-ended outputs.

The U.S. importer has told me that I am the first person in the States to own this player. It was expensive - in the price range of this thread - but without even being burned in yet I can sense it is going to be a keeper. :)

Hi,

The Audio Aero Capitole mkII SE (or non-SE) could be a very cost effective component for someone wanting a tubed CDP/DAC and linestage. It is capable of driving amps directly from its unbalanced/balanced outputs.

It has a musical and sweet sound, but not bloated (i.e. instruments like brass or piano do not sound exaggerated or larger than life).

An in-home audition is highly recommended...

- Steve O.

Unfortunately I have been unable to find a local high-end dealer that is willing to let me take demo equipment home for an in-home audition. The best offers I have gotten so far was a promise that I could return the piece for a credit if I wasn't happy with it. Big deal, now I am stuck with the limited lines they carry and no incentive for them to negotiate a discount. Way back in the late 80s I had a dealer that encouraged me to take a few demo pieces home to compare for a day or two. Sadly they are now out of business. I find it almost worthless to listen to new piece of equipment like a cd player or a preamp in a dealers showroom through unfamiliar speakers, electronics and room acoustics.

I'm buying most of my equipment now on audiogon. If I'm unhappy with my purchase I can always resell it and usually just eat the shipping costs.

The Audio Aero Capitole has a very good reputation for great sound, but the one thing that turned me off was the hard wired tube. Unless the design has changed, to replace the tube you either have to cut it off an solder a new one in place or send it out to a professional. Given the cost of this player I would not be comfortable doing this myself.

How about a Marantz SA11 SACD/CD player? I got one last month and have been very happy with it. It has 3 filters and you can adjust the sound to your liking.

David

How about a Marantz SA11 SACD/CD player? I got one last month and have been very happy with it. It has 3 filters and you can adjust the sound to your liking.

David

I got the same player a couple of months ago. it's a great machine, and it looks out of this world. I am using mine with filter 3 on for cds.

Of course, you need to have electronics that bring out the subleties of these high end players.
You true believers always have to include a statement like this. That way, when (not "if") no improvement is heard, the rest of the system can be blamed. ;)

You true believers always have to include a statement like this. That way, when (not "if") no improvement is heard, the rest of the system can be blamed. ;)


Hey Pulliamm, good to hear from you again ! how did the operation turn out ? They say a Frontal Lobotomy can be a tricky surgery, hopefully for you "third times a charm" !!

Hey Pulliamm, good to hear from you again ! how did the operation turn out ? They say a Frontal Lobotomy can be a tricky surgery, hopefully for you "third times a charm" !!
I'd rather have a bottle infrontomy. :D

I'd rather have a bottle infrontomy. :D


agreed !! 21 year old Port wood aged Balviene for me !!

Just to chime in...

I am no expert on cd players so I won't say that they make a big difference or not.
I AM sceptical though.
I bought a Rotel 1072 and I really like it. I know it's not a lot of money for a lot of people here, but it was a lot of money for me.
I bought it because my xbox 360 was loud, didn't scan through music, and the rotel looked nice with my rotel reciever.
I also bought it just in case if there was anything to this high end cd player stuff.

Can anyone give us some scientific proof to explain why some cd players sound better or significantly different?
If not scientifically, just tell me what parts that the multi thousand $ players are using that the 100$ and up players are not using, and what do those parts do?
What am I missing in my music by listening to the rotel instead of a meridean?

Please don't use generalizations and phrases to "prove" your argument. Things like "higher quality parts smooth out the music giving it body and an overall immersive sound" do not count as substantive.

Thanks in advance.

Nvm, I don't want to hijack the thread, I'll make another one.