Advice wanted on CD player

[Ted Quanrud]

I have not been a member of CMG for long, but have come to believe there are more than a few audiophiles in the building.

I'm in the market for a new CD player. Right now I'm running an Alesis Masterlink ML-9600 which is fine for copying CDs and recording LPs for transfer to CD, but not really what I want for playback.

My associated equipment includes Audio Research tubed pre-amp and power amp driving a pair of IMF TLS-80 transmission line monitors.

I'd like to keep this under $1500,and am currently considering a Cambridge Audio 840C that a local audio dealer (and good friend) is offering me for a very nice price.

Suggestions welcome. Thanks.

[slofstra]

I have not been a member of CMG for long, but have come to believe there are more than a few audiophiles in the building.

I'm in the market for a new CD player. Right now I'm running an Alesis Masterlink ML-9600 which is fine for copying CDs and recording LPs for transfer to CD, but not really what I want for playback.

My associated equipment includes Audio Research tubed pre-amp and power amp driving a pair of IMF TLS-80 transmission line monitors.

I'd like to keep this under $1500,and am currently considering a Cambridge Audio 840C that a local audio dealer (and good friend) is offering me for a very nice price.

Suggestions welcome. Thanks.

Ted,

It sounds like you're into stereo more than 5.1? Anyway, regardless of which, have a look at www.oppo.com. One of our programmers purchased a lower end Oppo player for $200 and it compared favourably to my more expensive ($1000) Arcam CD player. CDs did sound slightly better on the Arcam. However, his Oppo can play SACD and DVD-As and those definitely sounded better than CDs played on either player.

Oppo has finally released their higher end BDP-83 which can handle Blu-ray as well as SACD, CD, etc. And if you are into stereo the BPD-83SE (special edition) has upgraded DACs for stereo listeners who do not have a 5.1 receiver.

[Brendan]

I'm a Cambridge Audio fan myself (I have the 840C and love it), so if the price is right I'd obviously buy it - because I did.

[RebLem]

I used to have an Audio Research tubed pre-amp, but the tubes kept going out so much I decided to chuck it and go for all solid state.

1. But I have a pair of IMF speakers, too, only mine are IMF Monitor MK III Improved speakers. The Improved means the company came out with a more sophisticated and accurate crossover network after I bought it, and my speakers were retrofitted.
2. An Audionics CC-2 power amp.
3. A McCormack RLD-1 preamp.
4. A Magnum Dynalab Etude FT-101A analog FM tuner, and
5. An Arcam CD 72 CD player. This item ran me something like $700-800, I forget exactly.

It is all great equipment and I can recommend each item unreservedly.

[fishgrit]

You might consider buying a DAC rather than a replacement CD player. You can take the S/Pdif output from the Masterlink ML-9600and put it through one of the many great DACs that are now available. at every price range from $100 up. Jeremy

[david johnson]

Since last summer I've used a Harman-Kardon 48 and love it.

dj

[arthound]

Hi Ted

I 'm not an audiophile but I have recently upgraded my system to a Cambridge Audio 840 CD player with the Cambridge Audio 840 amp as well. I also purchased a pair of Sonus Faber Minima speakers at the same time. This set-up has had a really positive impact on my listening experience. There is less 'bang' in the bass compared to my previous system but this is compenstated for by a much cleaner and quicker lower end sound with wonderfully rich mid and high range playing. The CD player is only one part of the system but I have been very happy with it.

Here is a review:

http://www.botman.com/~media/Cambridge_ ... 0World.pdf

[erato]

I run a Wadia 302 - but today I would not consider any CD player without the possibility of doubling as a separate DAC unit, simply because (much as I hate the thought) that disc playback of downloaded files is a very realistic possibilty, especially if you are into rare repertoire and historic repertoire of particular performers, simply because I think that the supply of discs will gradually dry up.

[DavidRoss]

You might consider buying a DAC rather than a replacement CD player. You can take the S/Pdif output from the Masterlink ML-9600and put it through one of the many great DACs that are now available. at every price range from $100 up. Jeremy

That's my suggestion. I feed digital sources to my preamp via a bel canto DAC2 with two inputs switchable between coax and toslink. The newer DAC3 has even more flexibility, with 5 inputs, 2 sets of analog outputs, and gain control. At $2500, the DAC3 is a bit out of your stated price range, but used DAC2s that sound as good go for well under $1K (or so I found when considering trading in for the newer one!). Another DAC that's inexpensive but has impressed many is the Benchmark DAC1, listing for $1K w/o USB input. And if I were in the market today, I would want to hear Cambridge Audio's DacMagic, <$500. It uses the same D/A chipset used in the Cambridge 840C, which by all accounts is a very good CD player at a value price, though I cannot speak to that from personal experience.

[Lance]

Any thoughts on the Marantz CD5003 Single Disc CD Player, which has just been announced. Cost is around $350. The way I play CDs, I use up CD players very fast and have to replace frequently. To buy a McIntosh or Cambridge may not be prudent for me given the cost and replacements though I must say, the Cambridge 840C looks very good to me and McIntosh s manufactured right here in my hometown of Binghamton, New York.

[Chalkperson]

Many are mentioning DAC's, the Oppo BDP-83 player has a very good DAC in it's more expensive version, I would suggest that model which I actually Beta Tested last year, it is a superb player and incredibly good value for money, and, it plays any kind of Audio or Video Disc currently available...spend the rest on a decent pair of interconnects and power chord...if you buy from Music Direct you get a free HDMI Cable too...and...it has a USB Connection that would allow you to play digital files too...

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/86460

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/72786

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/83846

[Istvan]

"Marantz CD5003 Single Disc CD Player, which has just been announced. Cost is around $350"

It seems a bit too cheap to get the best out of all those CDs! I would go two or three grades higher in the Marantz range - with the consoling thought that, with luck, it will last a good ten years like my present Marantz CD6000SE. Were I to change it, I would go for the Cyrus CD6 SE, .which has had very good reviews

[Chalkperson]

Any thoughts on the Marantz CD5003 Single Disc CD Player, which has just been announced. Cost is around $350. The way I play CDs, I use up CD players very fast and have to replace frequently. To buy a McIntosh or Cambridge may not be prudent for me given the cost and replacements though I must say, the Cambridge 840C looks very good to me.

If you are wearing out CD players then I would advise you to stop buying cheap ones, I use Sony ES 5 Disc Changers (which all have a 5 year guarantee) at the Studio and run them ten or more hours a day, I expect them to fail periodically, however, I have never had any problems at home with good CD players even though they get a lot of use, that's my suggestion, plus, if you buy a Macintosh the sound will be awesome and it does have a guarantee, are you constantly loading discs and playing one or two tracks then switching discs, that will wear out the Drawer Mechanism, not the Machine, Macintosh would replace that if it failed, Marantz are unlikely to as it's probably not worth it given the low price point of the machine...

[JackC]

Many are mentioning DAC's, the Oppo BDP-83 player has a very good DAC in it's more expensive version, I would suggest that model which I actually Beta Tested last year, it is a superb player and incredibly good value for money, and, it plays any kind of Audio or Video Disc currently available...spend the rest on a decent pair of interconnects and power chord...if you buy from Music Direct you get a free HDMI Cable too...and...it has a USB Connection that would allow you to play digital files too...

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/86460

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/72786

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/83846

Do you have to hook up a PC to the oppo to this?


What I would like is a machine I could connect through a US cable to a hard drive that has digital files on it and play those files from the hard drive without the need for a pc. Is there anyting like that at a reasonable price?

[Ted Quanrud]

First, thanks to everyone who posted their ideas and suggestions on my original post. It is very gratifying these days to ask a civil question and get civil, friendly and helpful responses. You folks are great!!

In the end, I went with Oppo BDP-83 Special Edition (thanks, Slofstra, for the original suggestion, and Chalkie for your additional commments and for the link to Musicdirect). In anticipation of its arrival next week, I am disassembling my system, cleaning contacts, rebundling cords and the like.

The advice I got here on getting a unit that can act as a separate DAC, together with the unit's ability to play virtually every format and the glowing reviews clinched the deal. I already have about 100 SACDs that I am finally going to hear as they were meant to be heard.

Reblem -- that's a very impressive system. it's good to hear from a fellow IMF owner. We're a rather rare breed. My TLS-80 IIs have provided countless hours of listening pleasure for 30 years.

Thanks again to all of you!

[Chalkperson]

Many are mentioning DAC's, the Oppo BDP-83 player has a very good DAC in it's more expensive version, I would suggest that model which I actually Beta Tested last year, it is a superb player and incredibly good value for money, and, it plays any kind of Audio or Video Disc currently available...spend the rest on a decent pair of interconnects and power chord...if you buy from Music Direct you get a free HDMI Cable too...and...it has a USB Connection that would allow you to play digital files too...

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/86460

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/72786

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/83846

Do you have to hook up a PC to the oppo to this?


What I would like is a machine I could connect through a US cable to a hard drive that has digital files on it and play those files from the hard drive without the need for a pc. Is there anyting like that at a reasonable price?

If you just hook a hard drive up to a component then you cannot see the files because there is no screen to help you navigate your music, unless it has a Touch Screen on the front and an internal program to read and display the Data, a NAS Drive connects via Ethernet or USB, a Computer with a Hard Drive attached connects via Ethernet or via an Airport Express and the RCA inputs, that is what you will need, and a program to play the files from either the Hard Drive or NAS, i'm still working on that desktop Application for PS Audio, we are almost at the Beta Testing stage, our program will be much better than i-Tunes and runs on both PC and Mac which means we may have it available online in a couple of months, if I remember correctly you have a Mac...I can't say much more about our program until after the Beta Testing is done, but, i'll keep you updated...

Another thing you can do is connect an Airport Express into the Amplifier via the RCA plugs or Ethernet and feed the signal via i-Tunes, a third option, and the one I use in the studio is to buy a Wadia Dock for an i-Pod, the Wadia takes the digital signal from inside the i-Pod and feeds it to a digital outlet that you then plug into your amp, the advantage of this is that the i-Pod no longer does the D/A converson, the Wadia gives superb sound with Apple Lossless files, all you need is an i-Pod...its $379...

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/82178

PS if you use i-Tunes then you can use their remote Application for the i-Pod to control the music, that way you don't even need to leave your chair, our Application does the same, although it's better and more functional that Apple's and will work with either with i-Tunes our our Desktop Database...

[JackC]

Many are mentioning DAC's, the Oppo BDP-83 player has a very good DAC in it's more expensive version, I would suggest that model which I actually Beta Tested last year, it is a superb player and incredibly good value for money, and, it plays any kind of Audio or Video Disc currently available...spend the rest on a decent pair of interconnects and power chord...if you buy from Music Direct you get a free HDMI Cable too...and...it has a USB Connection that would allow you to play digital files too...

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/86460

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/72786

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/83846

Do you have to hook up a PC to the oppo to this?


What I would like is a machine I could connect through a US cable to a hard drive that has digital files on it and play those files from the hard drive without the need for a pc. Is there anyting like that at a reasonable price?

If you just hook a hard drive up to a component then you cannot see the files because there is no screen to help you navigate your music, unless it has a Touch Screen on the front and an internal program to read and display the Data, a NAS Drive connects via Ethernet or USB, a Computer with a Hard Drive attached connects via Ethernet or via an Airport Express and the RCA inputs, that is what you will need, and a program to play the files from either the Hard Drive or NAS, i'm still working on that desktop Application for PS Audio, we are almost at the Beta Testing stage, our program will be much better than i-Tunes and runs on both PC and Mac which means we may have it available online in a couple of months, if I remember correctly you have a Mac...I can't say much more about our program until after the Beta Testing is done, but, i'll keep you updated...

Another thing you can do is connect an Airport Express into the Amplifier via the RCA plugs or Ethernet and feed the signal via i-Tunes, a third option, and the one I use in the studio is to buy a Wadia Dock for an i-Pod, the Wadia takes the digital signal from inside the i-Pod and feeds it to a digital outlet that you then plug into your amp, the advantage of this is that the i-Pod no longer does the D/A converson, the Wadia gives superb sound with Apple Lossless files, all you need is an i-Pod...its $379...

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/82178

PS if you use i-Tunes then you can use their remote Application for the i-Pod to control the music, that way you don't even need to leave your chair, our Application does the same, although it's better and more functional that Apple's and will work with either with i-Tunes our our Desktop Database...

As I understand it, an Aiport express gets its signal wirelessly from my Imac and Airport extreme. Can it really send all that data wirelessly to the airport express (which then sends it to receiver) with decent quality?

[fishgrit]

Do you have to hook up a PC to the oppo to this?

As I understand it, the Oppo it does not need a pc hooked up to it. It has inbuilt software and display to select and play files on a hard drive connected to it via usb. There is another thread somewhere in which Henry Slofstra explained this. Jeremy

[Chalkperson]

Many are mentioning DAC's, the Oppo BDP-83 player has a very good DAC in it's more expensive version, I would suggest that model which I actually Beta Tested last year, it is a superb player and incredibly good value for money, and, it plays any kind of Audio or Video Disc currently available...spend the rest on a decent pair of interconnects and power chord...if you buy from Music Direct you get a free HDMI Cable too...and...it has a USB Connection that would allow you to play digital files too...

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/86460

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/72786

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/83846

Do you have to hook up a PC to the oppo to this?


What I would like is a machine I could connect through a US cable to a hard drive that has digital files on it and play those files from the hard drive without the need for a pc. Is there anyting like that at a reasonable price?

If you just hook a hard drive up to a component then you cannot see the files because there is no screen to help you navigate your music, unless it has a Touch Screen on the front and an internal program to read and display the Data, a NAS Drive connects via Ethernet or USB, a Computer with a Hard Drive attached connects via Ethernet or via an Airport Express and the RCA inputs, that is what you will need, and a program to play the files from either the Hard Drive or NAS, i'm still working on that desktop Application for PS Audio, we are almost at the Beta Testing stage, our program will be much better than i-Tunes and runs on both PC and Mac which means we may have it available online in a couple of months, if I remember correctly you have a Mac...I can't say much more about our program until after the Beta Testing is done, but, i'll keep you updated...

Another thing you can do is connect an Airport Express into the Amplifier via the RCA plugs or Ethernet and feed the signal via i-Tunes, a third option, and the one I use in the studio is to buy a Wadia Dock for an i-Pod, the Wadia takes the digital signal from inside the i-Pod and feeds it to a digital outlet that you then plug into your amp, the advantage of this is that the i-Pod no longer does the D/A converson, the Wadia gives superb sound with Apple Lossless files, all you need is an i-Pod...its $379...

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/82178

PS if you use i-Tunes then you can use their remote Application for the i-Pod to control the music, that way you don't even need to leave your chair, our Application does the same, although it's better and more functional that Apple's and will work with either with i-Tunes our our Desktop Database...

As I understand it, an Aiport express gets its signal wirelessly from my Imac and Airport extreme. Can it really send all that data wirelessly to the airport express (which then sends it to receiver) with decent quality?

Yes, it can, but the best way to connect it to your stereo is digitally, if your Amp has an Ethernet connection then use that, if not use a Toslink cable with a mini jack adaptor, it will use the digital signal from the laser beam and use the Amplifiers D/A convertor...i'll find a link for you tonight..

[JackC]

Yes, it can, but the best way to connect it to your stereo is digitally, if your Amp has an Ethernet connection then use that, if not use a Toslink cable with a mini jack adaptor, it will use the digital signal from the laser beam and use the Amplifiers D/A convertor...i'll find a link for you tonight..

Thanks so much for continuing to answer my annoyingly neophyte questions!

[Lance]

No one has mentioned ROTEL. I have a Rotel that performed wonderfully. Am thinking of replacing it possibly with another ROTEL. Comments?

[Chalkperson]

No one has mentioned ROTEL. I have a Rotel that performed wonderfully. Am thinking of replacing it possibly with another ROTEL. Comments?

Good Brand, never tried one...

[Chalkperson]

Yes, it can, but the best way to connect it to your stereo is digitally, if your Amp has an Ethernet connection then use that, if not use a Toslink cable with a mini jack adaptor, it will use the digital signal from the laser beam and use the Amplifiers D/A convertor...i'll find a link for you tonight..

Thanks so much for continuing to answer my annoyingly neophyte questions!

Neither neophyte or annoying, Jack, this cable is very difficult to find, but, I did manage to track one down on Amazon, I use one in our home in Florida, it is an Optical Cable that has a Toslink plug on one end and a Mini Jack Plug on the other, this will connect the Airport Express (Mini Jack) to your Amplifier or Pre Amp (Toslink) it will work fine, I too was skeptical about Music flying thru the air and landing in my Stereo but it works perfectly, even the multi thousand dollar components PS Audio (and others) are developing work this way, they use a Bridge, which is essentially a Router that goes inside your DAC, you can also buy a High End Mini Jack Plug to RCA Cable to connect the Airport Express, but this way your Amp is producing the D/A Conversion which is better...for anyone who is wondering what a HDMI plug is, they are standard on all new TV's, Cable Boxes and most new Amplifiers and the way it works is this...with the conventional cables connecting your Cable Box and DVD player to TV or Amplifier what happens is that those components convert the digital signal to analog and send that thru to the TV, with HDMI the one cable carries both the Audio and Video signal and then the TV or Amp Decodes it from Digital to Analog, this is way superior to conventional cables, it gives increased fidelity and picture, if anybody has questions about any of this stuff please do not hesitate to ask, i'm happy to explain anything, but, each time I explain I will plug the concept of Downloading Music or ripping it from your CD's, about three years ago I predicted here on CMG that this would happen and suggested that the new Audio products would produce superior sound to the original CD, some members were highly skeptical, but, now it's the norm, even Linn are no longer producing new CD Players, they will continue to make the old ones but any new products they make will all be for Digital Music only, many prefer to use CD's which is OK, but, accept the future, download 24/96 files and wallow in the gorgeous sound, it's what I do every night at home, and every day at the studio...

Here is the Digital Cable you need...

http://www.amazon.com/Cables-Go-Velocit ... 302&sr=1-3

[DavidRoss]

No one has mentioned ROTEL. I have a Rotel that performed wonderfully. Am thinking of replacing it possibly with another ROTEL. Comments?

I finally had to switch to CDs in 1991--the LP then was effectively dead. Fortunately, CD sound was getting tolerable, at least. I actually bought an early CAL digital processor that I fed from a Marantz player used as transport. (Don't recall model numbers.) Then I heard about the 855, liked what I heard at the dealer, took it home and auditioned it and ended up keeping it and selling the other stuff. As I recall, the 855 lacked the CAL's definition and oomph at the extremes, but the midrange was sweet, especially with female vocals, it was the most musical sounding CD player I'd yet heard, and it cost about 1/4 as much! I kept it for 10 years until stepping up to a Meridian 506/24, far superior--but I'll bet that little ROTEL still beats the dickens out of a lot of stuff some folks use these days to play CDs! I guess it was the OPPO of its time.

[Chalkperson]

I guess it was the OPPO of its time.

One thing about the Oppo is that you can only buy it from them, that keeps the price down...I have one in the bedroom and it's excellent, I Beta Tested the BluRay model up against the top of the line Sony and a Linn SACD Player and it did remarkably well, I think the Special Edition Model is definitely something to grab while there is still a chance to get them...

[Prometheus]

I listen to my music on my computer speakers.

I have considered the idea of finally getting a cd player / home theater stereo with my upcoming tax refund.

It sounds like many here would state that there is a noticeable difference in sound quality and would be worth the investment of funds.

As to what model or brand I have no idea where to begin.

[jserraglio]

I guess it was the OPPO of its time.

One thing about the Oppo is that you can only buy it from them, that keeps the price down...I have one in the bedroom and it's excellent, I Beta Tested the BluRay model up against the top of the line Sony and a Linn SACD Player and it did remarkably well, I think the Special Edition Model is definitely something to grab while there is still a chance to get them...

I bought the basic Oppo 1080p Up-Converting DVD player for $169 (now discontinued?) last summer and have been blown away by the quality. Worth every penny.

[maestrob]

I listen to my music on my computer speakers.

I have considered the idea of finally getting a cd player / home theater stereo with my upcoming tax refund.

It sounds like many here would state that there is a noticeable difference in sound quality and would be worth the investment of funds.

As to what model or brand I have no idea where to begin.

Unfortunately, I have no advice to give regarding brand names of speakers these days, since I have been happily living with a pair of Bozak Century 300s for some 40 years. I spent a small fortune on them in 1969, and upgraded to new drivers in 1981, and have been happy as a clam since.

So, my best advice would be to spend as much as you can on your speakers: that's the most critical component. Audition some very high-end stuff and get the best you can afford. Expect them to last a lifetime.

[JackC]

I listen to my music on my computer speakers.

I have considered the idea of finally getting a cd player / home theater stereo with my upcoming tax refund.

It sounds like many here would state that there is a noticeable difference in sound quality and would be worth the investment of funds.

As to what model or brand I have no idea where to begin.

Unfortunately, I have no advice to give regarding brand names of speakers these days, since I have been happily living with a pair of Bozak Century 300s for some 40 years. I spent a small fortune on them in 1969, and upgraded to new drivers in 1981, and have been happy as a clam since.

So, my best advice would be to spend as much as you can on your speakers: that's the most critical component. Audition some very high-end stuff and get the best you can afford. Expect them to last a lifetime.

There are a large number of the audiophiles who have to get "state of the art equipment" every few years. They also usually take extremely good care of their euipment. When they buy new stuff, they often sell their old equipment on a few specialty websites. Here is the best one I know of - http://www.audiogon.com

You can get incredibly high quality equipment of all types for fractions (often 25%-50%) of the price new - depending on how many new models of each piece have come out.

[slofstra]

First, thanks to everyone who posted their ideas and suggestions on my original post. It is very gratifying these days to ask a civil question and get civil, friendly and helpful responses. You folks are great!!

In the end, I went with Oppo BDP-83 Special Edition (thanks, Slofstra, for the original suggestion, and Chalkie for your additional commments and for the link to Musicdirect). In anticipation of its arrival next week, I am disassembling my system, cleaning contacts, rebundling cords and the like.

The advice I got here on getting a unit that can act as a separate DAC, together with the unit's ability to play virtually every format and the glowing reviews clinched the deal. I already have about 100 SACDs that I am finally going to hear as they were meant to be heard.

Reblem -- that's a very impressive system. it's good to hear from a fellow IMF owner. We're a rather rare breed. My TLS-80 IIs have provided countless hours of listening pleasure for 30 years.

Thanks again to all of you!

Okay, now I'm feeling envious. I guess with going to Europe and all I have to wait a while longer yet.

[Prometheus]

Thank you, maestrob and JackC for your replies!

[DavidRoss]

I listen to my music on my computer speakers.

I have considered the idea of finally getting a cd player / home theater stereo with my upcoming tax refund.

It sounds like many here would state that there is a noticeable difference in sound quality and would be worth the investment of funds.

As to what model or brand I have no idea where to begin.

Yes, sir, a good hi fi system can offer a pretty convincing illusion of live music. I suggst you start by visiting the specialty hi fi equipment dealers near you (Best Buy, Radio Shack, Fry's, etc. do not count). That will probably require visiting a city, unless you live in a university town or a very affluent community. Take along some CDs with music that you know and love.

Be warned that if you have never heard good sound reproduction before (and if your hearing is in good working condition), you risk getting hooked on a hobby that can be addicting and expensive. Bear in mind that the law of diminishing returns is fierce in hi fi. The first thousand bucks (or two or three) you spend--if spent wisely--will gain dramatic improvements in sound quality, but then you find yourself spending two or three times as much for ever smaller increments of improvement.

There are several manufacturers, some mentioned above, that specialize in offering considerable audio "bang-for-the-buck." These makers offer gear starting at prices comparable to mid-fi junk but that offer good sound instead of flashy bells and whistles. For electronics, companies like NAD, Arcam, Cambridge Audio, Rotel, Creek, and Rega, among others, offer solid design with prices kept low by manufacturing in Asia. Canadian government subsidization of R&D has made loudspeaker companies like PSB and Paradigm very well known for great price/performance ratios, but there are others, like England's Epos and Monitor, also known for good value.

Bottom line, though, is you really ought to go hear for yourself and do business with a local dealer who will steer you right and back what he sells.

[Chalkperson]

I am thinking that you may make good use of a Sound Bar, i'll do some research and get back to you...

[Prometheus]

DavidRoss:

Thanks for the reply. I was initially thinking of going to a Best Buy or Radio Shack type place, but perhaps that would not be the ideal option. Not sure I can afford an overly expensive system at the moment, but I appreciate your writing and will definitely look into what is available in my area. I certainly have much to learn about this facet of audio listening.

Chalkie:

What exactly is a Sound Bar and what purpose does it serve?

[slofstra]

I am thinking that you may make good use of a Sound Bar, i'll do some research and get back to you...

Are you referring to the Yamaha speaker product? Prometheus hasn't mentioned "dollars" which is fundamental to offering the right advice. However, I think that product would be a good purchase in that it contains an amplifier and speaker set up. All you need to add is a player (like the < $200 Oppo product) and optionally a subwoofer. Hook in his monitor or a TV and you also have something for watching movies. You could do all that for < $1000 total.

Bay Bloor Radio has for many years offered something they call the "Mozart system", which they feel is an entry point for the serious listener on a budget. They keep changing the components based on technology/ pricing but the concept is the same: a receiver, CD player, and pair of bookshelf speakers, with a solid proportion spent on the speakers. As maestro pointed out, the mistake most neophyte buyers make is not spending enough on the speakers. The old adage was 50% or more on the speakers, but that might be difficult today.

If you go to this page, you'll see a nice selection of matched, traditional stereo systems to choose from, beginning with the "Mozart system" at the low end. You can purchase these products anywhere of course. I just used 'Bay Bloor' because I'm familiar with them.

http://www.baybloorradio.com/selectsyst ... stems.html

[slofstra]

DavidRoss:

Thanks for the reply. I was initially thinking of going to a Best Buy or Radio Shack type place, but perhaps that would not be the ideal option. Not sure I can afford an overly expensive system at the moment, but I appreciate your writing and will definitely look into what is available in my area. I certainly have much to learn about this facet of audio listening.

Chalkie:

What exactly is a Sound Bar and what purpose does it serve?

The problem with the 'Best Buy's of the world is that they're oriented to the quick sale. Give the people what they think they want, instead of what will really serve. And that usually means making you think you've saved a bundle; meanwhile you've probably bought crap.

[Chalkperson]

I am thinking that you may make good use of a Sound Bar, i'll do some research and get back to you...

Are you referring to the Yamaha speaker product? Prometheus hasn't mentioned "dollars" which is fundamental to offering the right advice. However, I think that product would be a good purchase in that it contains an amplifier and speaker set up. All you need to add is a player (like the < $200 Oppo product) and optionally a subwoofer. Hook in his monitor or a TV and you also have something for watching movies. You could do all that for < $1000 total.

Yes, I have one in Florida, i'm real busy at work today but i'll post a couple of links on the weekend...

[Seán]

I listen to my music on my computer speakers.

I have considered the idea of finally getting a cd player / home theater stereo with my upcoming tax refund.

It sounds like many here would state that there is a noticeable difference in sound quality and would be worth the investment of funds.

As to what model or brand I have no idea where to begin.

Yes, sir, a good hi fi system can offer a pretty convincing illusion of live music. I suggst you start by visiting the specialty hi fi equipment dealers near you (Best Buy, Radio Shack, Fry's, etc. do not count). That will probably require visiting a city, unless you live in a university town or a very affluent community. Take along some CDs with music that you know and love.

Be warned that if you have never heard good sound reproduction before (and if your hearing is in good working condition), you risk getting hooked on a hobby that can be addicting and expensive. Bear in mind that the law of diminishing returns is fierce in hi fi. The first thousand bucks (or two or three) you spend--if spent wisely--will gain dramatic improvements in sound quality, but then you find yourself spending two or three times as much for ever smaller increments of improvement.

There are several manufacturers, some mentioned above, that specialize in offering considerable audio "bang-for-the-buck." These makers offer gear starting at prices comparable to mid-fi junk but that offer good sound instead of flashy bells and whistles. For electronics, companies like NAD, Arcam, Cambridge Audio, Rotel, Creek, and Rega, among others, offer solid design with prices kept low by manufacturing in Asia. Canadian government subsidization of R&D has made loudspeaker companies like PSB and Paradigm very well known for great price/performance ratios, but there are others, like England's Epos and Monitor, also known for good value.

Bottom line, though, is you really ought to go hear for yourself and do business with a local dealer who will steer you right and back what he sells.

David's absolutely right. From personal experience I can vouch for the quality and reliability of the likes of Arcam, Rega & Rotel. Make sure that you do listen to the equipment before buying it, don't be guided by price comparisons. If one system is more expensive than another it does not mean that it is better for you, if you really like the system then it's the one for you. Trust your own ears. For some people though Wife Approval Factor (WAF) is a major concern/consideration too. Know your budget and stick to it.

[Prometheus]

My initial budget was around 500.00. Looks like I won’t be able to obtain the nifty systems that you all have for some time as I can’t afford much more than that at present.

I agree with slofstra’s analysis about Best Buy in most situations. It is what is closest to me, that being why I considered it.

I thank you all for you informative responses and I will definitely take all your words into consideration. I now have brand names I have never heard of before and the idea of bringing along albums I enjoy in order to sample a system is a great one.

I do plan on exploring what is out there in order that I may be able to one day purchase such a system and be more knowledgeable about the decision.

[Chalkperson]

My initial budget was around 500.00. Looks like I won’t be able to obtain the nifty systems that you all have for some time as I can’t afford much more than that at present.

I agree with slofstra’s analysis about Best Buy in most situations. It is what is closest to me, that being why I considered it.

I thank you all for you informative responses and I will definitely take all your words into consideration. I now have brand names I have never heard of before and the idea of bringing along albums I enjoy in order to sample a system is a great one.

I do plan on exploring what is out there in order that I may be able to one day purchase such a system and be more knowledgeable about the decision.

You can afford this, then...

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-Integrate ... 528&sr=1-5

[Prometheus]

You can afford this, then...

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-Integrate ... 528&sr=1-5

Ooh!

If I am understanding this correctly it appears that a sound bar is essentially a bar that incorporates the sound diversification of multiple speakers into one and thus reduces the space and wiring that would otherwise be occupied.

Thanks for the tip! I will investigate it further!

[Chalkperson]

You can afford this, then...

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-Integrate ... 528&sr=1-5

Ooh!

If I am understanding this correctly it appears that a sound bar is essentially a bar that incorporates the sound diversification of multiple speakers into one and thus reduces the space and wiring that would otherwise be occupied.

Thanks for the tip! I will investigate it further!

Yes, I too will investigate it, if it plays CD's in Stereo then I think it's a good buy, these Sound Bars come with a small device that you place in front of them during the set-up and it "maps" your living room, it figures out all the reflective surfaces and walls and adjusts the surround sound accordingly...if you buy it from Amazon you can try it out for 30 days and make sure you are happy with it, the price is good, I have a Yamaha Soundbar at our home in Florida and it's excellent, this one has a DVD player too which is why I am suggesting it...

[Chalkperson]

I read the reviews and specs for this product, I think this would be a good purchase, if your TV has a HDMI input then you will need to buy a cable, if not then you will need the Three RCA Cable set, spend a few bucks on the cables, it will be worth it, as I said above, order from Amazon and you can always return it, I think you will be very happy...

[Prometheus]

I read the reviews and specs for this product, I think this would be a good purchase, if your TV has a HDMI input then you will need to buy a cable, if not then you will need the Three RCA Cable set, spend a few bucks on the cables, it will be worth it, as I said above, order from Amazon and you can always return it, I think you will be very happy...

I also looked up some reviews of this model and it has mostly favorable ratings. I then searched for what else was available on Amazon and in terms of the standard HTIB the best system that appears to me is this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-BRAVIA-DAV-H ... =pd_cp_e_3

Of the two, I think the Phillips sound bar model is the better. If I obtain this it will most likely be in the next few months. Thanks again for all of your help.

[Ted Quanrud]

I have now had my Oppo BDP-83 Special Edition for about two weeks. I ordered it on a Tuesday fromMusicDirect (per Chalkie's excellent suggestion), and it arrived just three days later, securely packed. The packaging itself is most impressive. I have seen far more expensive equipment come in much flimsier boxes.

In anticipation of its arrival, I had disassembed my entire system, cleaned all the contacts and then reconnected the components. I bought new high end cables to connect it to the preamp, and used the very fine Audioquest HDMI cable that was included free of charge to connect it to my Sony 46-inch monitor. I then turned on the system, let it warm up an hour or so, and then began to listen. To put it mildly, I was absolutely bowled over. The SACDs sounded like nothing I had ever heard in home system, but more importantly, the Oppo extracted from my older CDs details and nuances that made them sound new. I really cannot describe the clarity and detail that my system now delivers.

Likewise, the pictures and sound from my DVDs are vastly improved. I'm not much of a video guy -- audio is my game, but I am enjoying my opera and concert DVDs more than I ever have before.

The unit comes with a CD and a DVD for fine tuning the audio and video systems. I am looking for a free weekend to play with these, but for now, I am just very, very pleased with the new player.

Many thanks to all of you who responded to this thread, and especially to Slofstra for drawing my attention to Oppo and to Chalkie for his specific recommendation.

[Chalkperson]

Great stuff, Ted, you are experiencing a true Audiophile moment, the one in which you have to re-listen to all your favourite recordings because the change in the sound is so profound, you will use words like, blacker blacks, true seperation, enlarged soundstage, more bass, you get the drift...i'm happy to have helped you, Oppo is a great little company and you got their very best product...way to go...

[arthound]

Many are mentioning DAC's, the Oppo BDP-83 player has a very good DAC in it's more expensive version, I would suggest that model which I actually Beta Tested last year, it is a superb player and incredibly good value for money, and, it plays any kind of Audio or Video Disc currently available...spend the rest on a decent pair of interconnects and power chord...if you buy from Music Direct you get a free HDMI Cable too...and...it has a USB Connection that would allow you to play digital files too...

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/86460

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/72786

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/83846

Hi Chalk - I currently use a Cambridge Audio 840 CD player and amp and listen via a standard stereo set up. In your opinion would converting to the OPPO player and playing my hybrid SACDs produce a much better sound through the two speaker set up - or would I need to go the whole way and get the extra speakers etc. to make it worth it? I am very happy with my system as it is at the moment and only around 5% of my collection is SACD so I am trying to work out if it is worth changing...

[Chalkperson]

Hi Chalk - I currently use a Cambridge Audio 840 CD player and amp and listen via a standard stereo set up. In your opinion would converting to the OPPO player and playing my hybrid SACDs produce a much better sound through the two speaker set up - or would I need to go the whole way and get the extra speakers etc. to make it worth it? I am very happy with my system as it is at the moment and only around 5% of my collection is SACD so I am trying to work out if it is worth changing...

Yes, get the Pro Version of he Oppo, I quite often watch Opera and Rock on Two Channel PCM Blu Ray discs, you don't have to have Multi Channel to enjoy SACD's, and, many of the new Jazz reissues are now only in stereo...

[slofstra]

Many are mentioning DAC's, the Oppo BDP-83 player has a very good DAC in it's more expensive version, I would suggest that model which I actually Beta Tested last year, it is a superb player and incredibly good value for money, and, it plays any kind of Audio or Video Disc currently available...spend the rest on a decent pair of interconnects and power chord...if you buy from Music Direct you get a free HDMI Cable too...and...it has a USB Connection that would allow you to play digital files too...

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/86460

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/72786

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/83846

Hi Chalk - I currently use a Cambridge Audio 840 CD player and amp and listen via a standard stereo set up. In your opinion would converting to the OPPO player and playing my hybrid SACDs produce a much better sound through the two speaker set up - or would I need to go the whole way and get the extra speakers etc. to make it worth it? I am very happy with my system as it is at the moment and only around 5% of my collection is SACD so I am trying to work out if it is worth changing...

The Oppo BDP-83SE is one of the few products which is well adapted to listeners with a standard stereo set up. That is, if you don't have a 5.1 amplifier it's just the ticket, because it has high end stereo DACS built in. If you DO have a high end 5.1 amplifier then the SE version is unnecessary, the straight up BDP-83 will do fine.

In any case, I'm trying to keep a bit of a lid on personal spending this year, esp with some heavy travel commitments and a daughter's wedding. So I'm now pining for this unit more than ever.

My 2 cents worth, I now defer to the chalkmeister ... the true expert on disposable income in these parts.

[rwetmore]

Any thoughts on the Marantz CD5003 Single Disc CD Player, which has just been announced. Cost is around $350. The way I play CDs, I use up CD players very fast and have to replace frequently. To buy a McIntosh or Cambridge may not be prudent for me given the cost and replacements though I must say, the Cambridge 840C looks very good to me and McIntosh s manufactured right here in my hometown of Binghamton, New York.

I'm sure it is good. Marantz has made excellent players for a long time. They tend to have a warm sound that softens the highs slightly.