Dedicated CD player or "Do it all" player?

Specify a dollar range. Depending on ones perspective, "upper-mid level" could mean anywhere where from $500-$5000.

larry

Esoteric Audio...simply the best...

Teac Esoteric is pretty expensive - best is definitely a relative term in the A/V world. If you can afford Esoteric - my hat is off to you...

If you're already using an iPod, you may want to consider a network streaming device and play back lossless music files from your computer. It can sound pretty good.

- Steve O.

ttraynor,

Probably the most popular one today is the SlimDevices Squeezebox 3. If you already have a computer or laptop, you can do just as well - it just might not be as slick...

- Steve O.

I-POD, aren't those the devices used while on a treadmill, exercise bike, etc. I can't imagine anybody SERIOUSLY incorporating one into a top-flight audio system.

Ripping them all to WAVs or lossless compressed files and playing back though a PC/soundcard connected to your stereo is a good solution too.

Tom,

Get something from this list:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...0GB+and+higher

Hold something like 1500 CD's ripped as straight WAV files...you know...if you didn't want to keep using CD's.

Of course, that only solves the music situation

A Sonos ZP80 and CP100 would be $750 and would hook up to ethernet and pull ripped CDs from your computer without a problem. The interface is slick and you can add integrated Pandora radio (which is incredible for discovering new artists/music - check it out) for $40 a year. And, if you're not a techie, no big deal, it's a breeze to setup. Squeezebox is another option for quite a bit less, but it doesn't have a great interface, nor is it as easy to setup. If you have $250 more, really consider getting the bundle, since you get another zone for significantly cheaper than if you bought the items separately (save $250). For all the reasons you stated, it's almost crazy to still own a CD player if you have $750+ to spend.

I can. You would be amazed at how good lossless music playback, even from an iPod, can sound. I've hooked up an iPod to my system, which is pretty decent, and have been able to enjoy music for hours that way.

iPods have been used as digital sources at high-end audio shows and demonstrations before.

- Steve O.

NAD C542 (matches your other equipment) or Cambridge 640C V2.

Or for that matter, the do it all OPPO for dirt cheap.

How do you connect your iPod up to your amp? With a basic black 3.5mm to stereo connector? I'm looking for a higher end, higher quality cable solution for the 3.5mm connection.

You might want to check out red wine audio. Very nice solution to get better quality from your compressed files.

at ces i saw a maker of dacs with an expensive ($2k) solution that replaced the entire d/a output stage; couldn't believe it was an iPod source!

Don't forget about the Toshiba HD-XA1 HD DVD .

AVS thread
t-700263

film-talk thread
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As Always, you are the best performance test of your audio.

If you can snag a Shaling player used for your budget, I say go for it.

My general feeling is that you get the best playback for the dollar if you focus on dedicated players.

If you are sick of managing CDs, I'd look into an Olive Symphony.

http://www.olive.us/p_bin/

If you want to store all your CD's and manage a play list, you can use Foobar 2k. It will rip to the hard drive in whatever format you choose. From there you can tag the files for Artist, album, year, and song. All information for the CD comes from FreeDB.org. There are a ton of plug-ins, such as album art and others.

The software provides Kernel streaming, ASIO, and direct sound playback. The secret rabbit code for sampling is the best out there. You can also rip with EAC and import to foobar if you like. Invest in a good QUALITY sound card with ASIO drivers and leave the discs in the closet. It is easy, convenient, and sounds great if set up properly. You can select one song, multiple songs from various artists, or a whole album if you like. Best of all is that the program is free.

MAK