CD Player

[Ken1953]

Im going to step up from my Cambridge Audio Azur651c.For pure cd sound quality only what would everyone suggest for around $2500.00?

 

[agarwalro]

I suggest you keep the Azur and give me the $2500.

Seriously though, a CD player is unlikely to be the weakest link. What other gear do you have? Have you optimized the speakers, room, EQ, amp, etc.?

 

[mtrycrafts]

Im going to step up from my Cambridge Audio Azur651c.For pure cd sound quality only what would everyone suggest for around $2500.00?

What is it that you don't like about that CD player? I don't see anything in its specs that would cause one to give it up.

 

[Ken1953]

What is it that you don't like about that CD player? I don't see anything in its specs that would cause one to give it up.

Thank you for your response. I'll probably just hold onto it then. I'm an older gentleman so I have hundreds of CDs.I usually use AirPlay since I have most of CDs downloaded onto my computer and play them through my Denon Avr5200 receiver. Just want cleanest, purist sound I can achieve. Any suggestions?

 

[psbfan9]

Hi Ken, I'll ask the same questions as Agarwalro, what other equipment do you have? If you're not happy with the sound, I would suggest changing speakers before any electronics.

 

[Ken1953]

Actually, I'm quite satisfied with the sound.One person who was at my place said it sounded like heaven every time she came over. She said on some of the music it sounded like the people singing were right in the room. I'm just the type of person who always strives for improvement. I thinking of buying a pair of Focal Aria948 speakers. What's your opinion of these?

 

[agarwalro]

I usually use AirPlay since I have most of CDs downloaded onto my computer

Did you downloaded them in a lossy format (MP3 or AAC)? If yes, the best investment would be to re-download them in ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) format. Playing (over AirPlay) the ALAC files made from CD's does not reduce the quality, but disc of higher quality, are down converted to CD quality. If you have DVD and BluRay music that you would like to similarly download, ALAC is not enough. In that case, the best use of your $2500 would be to look into buying a NAS (network attached storage) and streaming with a different media server. More on this last option in the HTPC and Media Server sub-section.

 

[psbfan9]

Well, I've never heard the Focal Aria 948's, but they are great looking speakers. The questions is what do you think of them? Do you think they sound better than what you have? Is the 'improvement' you hear worth $5000.00?
They seem to be a little finicky with placement and electronics. And at 77lbs. each, placing them may be an issue.
Have you auditioned any other speakers?

 

[Ken1953]

I will be looking at many others to before I buy. But you may be right I'll put some serious thought to what you have said.

 

[Ken1953]

Did you downloaded them in a lossy format (MP3 or AAC)? If yes, the best investment would be to re-download them in ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) format. Playing (over AirPlay) the ALAC files made from CD's does not reduce the quality, but disc of higher quality, are down converted to CD quality. If you have DVD and BluRay music that you would like to similarly download, ALAC is not enough. In that case, the best use of your $2500 would be to look into buying a NAS (network attached storage) and streaming with a different media server. More on this last option in the HTPC and Media Server sub-section.

I use Apple products so all my CDs are downloaded to Apple Lossless files. What is your opinion of Flac files? No DVD or BluRay files

 

[agarwalro]

I use Apple products so all my CDs are downloaded to Apple Lossless files. What is your opinion of Flac files? No DVD or BluRay files

FLAC is a more universal format with compared to ALAC. For regular CDs, ALAC through iTunes over AirPlay is just as good as FLAC through a different media server/streamer. I believe AirPlay still cannot transmit FLAC.

Since you are only transmitting CDs, you're already getting the equivalent of CD quality with all the digital conveniences .

 

[Ken1953]

Well, I've never heard the Focal Aria 948's, but they are great looking speakers. The questions is what do you think of them? Do you think they sound better than what you have? Is the 'improvement' you hear worth $5000.00?
They seem to be a little finicky with placement and electronics. And at 77lbs. each, placing them may be an issue.
Have you auditioned any other speakers?

Did you downloaded them in a lossy format (MP3 or AAC)? If yes, the best investment would be to re-download them in ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) format. Playing (over AirPlay) the ALAC files made from CD's does not reduce the quality, but disc of higher quality, are down converted to CD quality. If you have DVD and BluRay music that you would like to similarly download, ALAC is not enough. In that case, the best use of your $2500 would be to look into buying a NAS (network attached storage) and streaming with a different media server. More on this last option in the HTPC and Media Server sub-section.

Did you downloaded them in a lossy format (MP3 or AAC)? If yes, the best investment would be to re-download them in ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec) format. Playing (over AirPlay) the ALAC files made from CD's does not reduce the quality, but disc of higher quality, are down converted to CD quality. If you have DVD and BluRay music that you would like to similarly download, ALAC is not enough. In that case, the best use of your $2500 would be to look into buying a NAS (network attached storage) and streaming with a different media server. More on this last option in the HTPC and Media Server sub-section.

FLAC is a more universal format with compared to ALAC. For regular CDs, ALAC through iTunes over AirPlay is just as good as FLAC through a different media server/streamer. I believe AirPlay still cannot transmit FLAC.

Since you are only transmitting CDs, you're already getting the equivalent of CD quality with all the digital conveniences .

FLAC is a more universal format with compared to ALAC. For regular CDs, ALAC through iTunes over AirPlay is just as good as FLAC through a different media server/streamer. I believe AirPlay still cannot transmit FLAC.

Since you are only transmitting CDs, you're already getting the equivalent of CD quality with all the digital conveniences .

Thank You for all your input.