CDP with digital inputs

Right, I've been posting questions for advice on integrated and cd players and you are all probably getting a little worried as to why I want to change my kit so quickly.

I've been thinking long and hard about the next step I want to take.

I am going to keep my integrated for the time being.... and change the CD player.

I would like to get something that has digital inputs (at least one toslink and one coaxial) to enable me to connect up two other digital sources. I do not have any analogue sources.

So I am looking for a suitable 2nd hand player that can do the business.

Have looked around to draw up a shortlist and have found (so far)

Wadia 8xx. (Calling WM - which model is it worth going for 851, 861...?)
Mark Levinson 390s.

A one box unit is preferable.

These two have volume controls which is something I would want. The Wadia in the digital domain and the ML in the analogue domain. I'd just activate the unity gain on the Krell and use the CDP volume control.

There seem to be quite a few of these models out there available.

Are there any others to consider?

 

Skip,

This is more than likely what your after Nice Player
If you like Levinson, then Wadia isn't for you, and vice versa.
Models that include digital as standard 301/302/860/860X/861 (SE)/dac's (the good ones) 15/25/27/IX
860, is 48Khz the 'X' mod takes it up to 24/96khz have BNC/XLR inputs.
Cary Audio 306/200 is also pretty good
Else I'd have a listen to either the Adavantage S1 or (I think these are well er um. not that good ,but a lot rave about em) Opus 21 Resolution Audio.
Should give a few ideas

 

The only other unit I know of is the somewhat cheaper Quad 99.

 

The Linn Unidisk SC (standing for Source and Control) will do what you want, but it is not available second hand yet as it has just been launched. It's a rather excellent piece of kit for its price, relative to older products in the Linn range, though (thinking of the Ikemi player and 5103 controller, for instance).

 

SKP you have a stunning cdp do you just want the digital inputs or do you not like the sound anymore, why not get a s/h Dac for your other digital sources. I have Bow Wizard Cdp and this can be upgraded to Dig in (although only 1 input) This too is a stunning sounding CDP and may give you somethiong between the Wad and Lev extremes.

paul

 

You might find a Marantz CD 7 second hand... this is an extremely fine player that has digital inputs, but not the volume control.
It has been rated as one of the finest CD players you can buy, only limited edition were made around 1999 - 2000 ish and cost £3500 when new. Soundwise neither laid back or aggressive but nicely balanced.
Should go for around £1500 - £2000 now.

 

Geez Alan, I have seen just one in eighteen months, and that one went in an hour! Great player though

 

There have been a few on hififorsale.com in the last few months. But yes they are quite rare. It still took me over a month to sell mine earlier this year!

 

analoguekid wrote:

I can't fault the ARC at all. Before getting it I always wanted to have a CDP with digital inputs. The Lev or the Wadia seems to be the way forward IMO.

I am particularly swayed towards the Lev purely of the analogue volume control and some of the other nice features it has. I have listened to a Levinson system before and simply loved the sound.

I really want to minimise the amount of boxes I have so CDP + Amp then using the digital outs from a Sky+ STB and a computer to get the best possible sound quality seems the way to go.

 

Skip if you love the Levvy, then I suggest you take a serious listen to the AA Capitol, its a much better package and has Analogue vol control too, plus all the imputs.

 

Skp. Face it. You are brand dependent

A shame really. IMO, Levinson kit is OK but way expensive for what it offers.

Other players to consider

Sim Audio Eclipse
Audio Aero Capitole Mk2
Accuphase DP77V

Or Quad CDP99P c/w Shunyata Python and upgrade your speakers to something a little less challenged.

It's only the magazines that would have you beleive that Krell and Levinson make great hifi

 

Am I brand dependent - maybe.

With the features in the player I am after such digital inputs, volume control, balanced outputs, cost becomes a limiting factor.

Any of the models mentioned above they are simply out of my price range if bought new.

Therefore, I am looking at the 2nd hand market.

Maybe it's my lack of resourcefulness that as yet, I have not been able to find any second hand players at the price point I can afford - £4000.

Again, I do thank all of you for your words of wisdom. I do appreciate it. I am not able to listen to all the recommended units mentioned so I am going on experience with what I heard in the past.

If there is something better than the Levvy at the same price 2nd hand I would be silly not to try it, I totally agree with that.

If anyone know of such a player around the £4000 mark I would be very interested.

 

and.........Densen Beat B400XS. Killer

best
dm10

 

Er and where exactly is the digital input

 

That's what I thought!

Just to reiterate, I am looking for a player with the following:

• Balanced analogue outputs
• At least two digital inputs (both coaxial and fibre)
• Volume Control (preferably in the analogue domain, but will consider digital volume control)
• All in a single box

Not too much to ask for, is it!

 

does this count ?
WADIA 860X £7000 now £3495
@ central audio

to quote WM from page 1 of this thread .....

860, is 48Khz the 'X' mod takes it up to 24/96khz have BNC/XLR inputs.
that's a "yes" then, i guess

there's more:
Wadia 16, 7yrs old approx, superb condition, boxed, you haven't heard a cd player play bass until you have listened to this awesome machine, betters so many new counter parts hands down. NEW REVISED PRICE . £7450 £2900
http://www.sounddrjuleshifi.co.uk/stock.htm

wADIA 12 DAC rcas and balanced 2000 600
WADIA 2000 transport and DAC with last upgrades 3500
WADIA 861 boxed latest awe inspiring 4500
http://www.emporium.dircon.co.uk/CD and DACS.htm

 

SKP,

Theres an audio Aero capitole MK II on Hififorsale right now for £3.3K.
Give it a go. Maybe the vendor will do a swap+cash for the ARC.

 

Robbo,
There was a AA MKII for £2500 the week before last