The CD revolution: Part 3: which player did I choose?

[@pampam12able]

I've loved your cd player videos so much, I'm not even in the market for a cd player but I've really enjoyed your articulated opinions and hands on experiences with these devices, it's a shame that so few people focus on the whole user experience in their reviews

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you, that’s very kind.

[@jlaurson]

I feel the very same way! :-) Much preferable to watching a movie, in fact.

[@danriley3064]

What a great 3 part series. Looking forward to more videos! Thank you.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks Dan!

[@RogierYou]

After learning all this I will never think of a CD player the same way again 😊

[@PearlAcoustics]

😀

[@lauralutzhoven5648]

I never think of a CD player anymore.

[@musiclassica]

@@lauralutzhoven5648 Of course. Yet you’re here. 👍

[@thomasfi1275]

Excellent video as always! I love your passion, your knowledge. Amazing. Please continue. It’s a pleasure to watch your videos and you are a gift for the HiFi community. Thank you.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you Thomas, you’re very kind

[@romanazbukin8687]

Last year, I accidentally saw an offer and purchased an Arcam CD 192 in excellent condition. It has a dense thick sound and a deep scene. With a good CD player, you can ignore the fashion for vinyl. But I can't completely abandon vinyl LPs, because you can find rare things there - as opposed to what is on the central shelves in record stores. Thank you for supporting our inspiration to use these things!

[@PearlAcoustics]

You’re very welcome. Thanks for your contribution to the topic

[@neilbradley5011]

I have about 150 LPs which I listen to on my Pro-ject Debut Carbon ,as well as CDs and FLAC downloads .

[@MrBonger88]

Great shootout. I really liked that you went into detail about the whole user experience with each of them.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks!

[@jimatyeo]

I am still a huge vinyl and CD guy. I don't do any streaming services. It was brought home recently when our internet service was down for over a week because of storms and upgrades. Yet I was able to keep enjoying music thank goodness to my library of music. Fortunately my power was on as well.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi Jim. I am with you on this, however, I do find streaming useful for experimenting with new artists and comparing classical music recordings of a given piece. Sometimes I discover things that I would not have, had I simply gone to an online record store.

[@buckaroobonsi555]

I am also still invested in vinyl and CD. I have spotify because my wife and 3 sons use it probably 8-12 hours a day. It would be diffacult to own as much music as one has access to digital online.

[@Victor-qf1yu]

Nice lesson, thanks. I use CD Cayin mini CD player mk2 with front slot loading with DVD laser head. I use it as CD transport with digital output i2s to my Denafrips Pontus 15th. Sounds great.

[@PearlAcoustics]

👍 I bet it does sound great! Enjoy

[@petesjk]

Thank you for this series, it’s good to see that cd players continue to have good options. I’m still using my old Myryad, and I might even dabble in case repair if the buttons get worse. It just has served me so well, I‘d have a hard time letting it go.

[@PearlAcoustics]

You’re very welcome. Hopefully, you’ll never have to part with Myryad. Enjoy the music.

[@3Schneewittchen]

I bought the Pro-Ject drive a good year ago, before that I had listened to ripped CDs on a good ripping system. The sound on my NOS-DAC is worlds better than before. Thank you for this great series of videos ☺.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks Thomas, you’re very welcome

[@martinslocombe2288]

I have had the Pro-ject cd box rs2 plus power supply for a year it was initially paired with the dac box 2 which sounded very nice . I recently swapped the dac box 2 for an 8 year old Weiss 202 dac .The improvement in detail , bass and dynamics is very noticeable over the Dac box 2 , the Wiess 202 is a very fine headphone amp to boot ,my old HD 650s have never sounded so good .I suspect the Pro-ject cd box rs 2 with power supply would give some truly high end players a run for their money .Thank you for a thoughtful review .

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your contribution to the topic

[@aryanazih8867]

Thank you so much for this Episode 💗 Always a pleasure to watch your new fantastique videos along with outpouring information Have a good day 😊

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you, you’re very kind

[@fivish]

My CD player is a Panasonic DMR-EZ49V. It plays CD and DVD as well as VHS and records to them too. The CD/DVD tray works great on the Panasonic.

[@TPQ1235]

OMG! You have a Quad 405 in your home office! The core of my home system is a Quad 34 / Quad 405 combination fed by a Thorens TD 160 all bought new in the late 70’s / early 80’s. They still work as well as the day I bought them. A pair of your Sibelius would fit perfectly, however I have gone local with 🇨🇦Totem Sttaf’s. I thoroughly enjoy your presentations and look forward to each one. This series has me revisiting my Marantz CD-67SE’s role. Your previous turntable series reinforced my Thorens TD 160 purchase.

[@PearlAcoustics]

So glad you appreciate my videos. Thanks

[@ianmedium]

Wonderful Harley, very detailed explanations. I have twin sabre DAC’s in my portable Onkyo player. It uses twin amps and DAC’s that gives a wonderfully detailed expansive sound that is also rich and warm. I have had other brands with different DAC’s but none have offered the same immersive experience.

[@PearlAcoustics]

You’re welcome

[@f.troiani5937]

Great one Harley, thoroughly enjoyed the series cheers.

[@f.troiani5937]

Also as much 'DAC rules over transports, sort of unifies them' is true, this got me reflecting and maybe there is something wrong with me (psychologically) as I've already got several players and STILL have this urge to try and get some more in! You know, a Gato Audio, a Yamaha 2100, maybe a Luxman. Ahhh choices

[@PearlAcoustics]

Awesome, thank you!

[@martinda7446]

Watching you load the Pro-Ject I remembered the Micromega CD players from the 90s with the big perspex lid. They were absolutely wonderful, and great value. We sold a lot of those.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks

[@mauriceparhamovich5358]

As usual, a well presented video. Thanks.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks 🙏

[@AtriGadhvi]

Fantastic information Harley thanks for your help

[@PearlAcoustics]

You’re very welcome

[@silvershield2342]

Such a joy watching to your thoughtful videos that are both erudite and presented with class. Although not in the market for some things discussed, watching is always a learning experience not just the technical details but the way you analyze a subject. Looking forward to more! On topic, last year I purchased a Denon DCD A110 SACD player - wonderful device that is beautifully crafted inside and out. Am now, a firm believer that a good disc player DOES make an important difference in audio quality.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you, you’re very kind. The big plus with CD is that you control the transfer of the data from the stored medium to the DAC, whereas one can never be sure with streaming.

[@TheDjcarlos67]

I really enjoyed this series Harley. I always preferred my LP12 to the Marantz CD players I've had (52 mk2 & 67 mk2) but I recently git a Cambridge Audio 340c Azur and it blew me away. A very enjoyable alternative to vinyl🎶

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks. So glad you enjoyed it. And thanks for adding your comment to the topic.

[@gil3green]

It's lights off for me too! Very nice video!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks 😀👍

[@andrewaajohnson7584]

That was one of the most interesting reviews I've experienced.Thank you.👍👍👍

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks, so glad you appreciated it

[@martinclift3843]

Thoroughly enjoyable - fantastically researched & put together. Thank you

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks Martin!

[@RodneyAllanPoe]

My Musical Fidelity M6sCD has digital DAC inputs, which is a brilliant feature for a two-channel system. CD playback, TV audio via optical and 4K player audio via S/PDIF, and it still has one spare input of each, USB as well.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Absolutely

[@margherito]

Thanks for your videos, i found them really interesting and enjoyable; what's wonderful of this comparison is that cd players could offer hi-fi on a budget, if you can't afford expensive transport units. A good dac a cheap new transport and you're in music heaven .

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you for your kind words. Can only agree, these days, one can get a great sound for a rather minimal investment

[@kevinmills5293]

I would describe the Rega as energetic. I was demoing speakers at the time and the rega was used as the source. I really loved it.

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Brilliant review, I love CD players

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks Ricky! 🙏

[@Caleketa]

What a lovely review Harley. Your’re last words in the video ‘ enjoy the music’ is the only thing that matters. As most audio enthusiast’s we tend to forget what really counts, speaking for myself of course. In the past i’ve owned a lot of audio stuff, as most enthusiast’s have had. For the last couple of years i am very happy with my Copland csa 28 hybrid amp and Copland CDA 266 HDCD player. The loudspeakers i use are custom build by Joachim Gerhard, some lovely mini monitors based on his Anima. Still thinking of a subwoofer, but that’s another issue.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you. You’re very kind. So pleased to hear you have settled on your ‘final’ set up 😉

[@michaelbuchan451]

That was very informative, im in the market for a new transport soon. The project was on a shortlist along with a cyrus cdt. I'll definitely be buying the project cdt.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Glad it helped!

[@DaveMarket]

Great review. I have wondered about CD history for years. I was hoping to learn that my 1987 Denon DCD 1400 was sought after so that I could justify repairs. It was so good.

[@PearlAcoustics]

@ thanks. You might still find someone to repair it for you. Try on some forums. You might be surprised. Good luck.

[@jsmorton674]

Absolutely brilliant review of bespoke pieces of kit! Thank you so very much.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks - glad you enjoyed it!

[@socialite1283]

When I chose a CD Player, I was looking for a player that was clear and crisp at the top end without being brittle. I settled on a (then) brand new Sony CDP-761E. Arguably the best CD Player Sony ever made. And my one is still in 100% perfect working order. They almost never come up for sale second hand.

[@OgnjanKralj]

Great series that covers the revolutionary history of CD players'. Recommend for anybody interested in the history and development of CD payers. Thank you, Harley, for the time and effort produceing the brilliant CD players revolution series.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you, you're very kind. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@RafiGish]

I'd recommend looking for someone who has actual knowledge about the topic instead...

[@Phil_f8andbethere]

Fantastic review Harley. It would be good if you could update us in 2 or 3 years time as to how reliable the Pro-Ject has been. Looking forward to your part 4 video!

[@PearlAcoustics]

I certainly will! You can always reach out to me in 2025!

[@nazaholicable]

I really enjoyed this video and my reason for watching it is because I was told you comment on the Cyrus PSU XR. I use a Cyrus XR i9 amplifier which enjoys the same sonic characteristics that you remark upon regarding their XR CD player. The PSU XR is, of course, a complementary product to their amp as well. (Cyrus would have you buy a power supply with everything). My CD player is the Luxman D-03X, by the way, which is a lovely machine. I note that your verdict on the latest Cyrus power supply is that it does noticeably improve the sound, but not to a great degree. Cyrus says that their PSU-XR, SIGNIFICANTLY improves the sound of their partnered product. I guess I will have to demo it with the Cyrus amp, and my other independent sources.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, thanks for your interesting comment and question. The word ‘significantly’ is a very powerful one. I personally could only use the word ‘slightly’. Whether my slightly is significant to someone else then, that’s great for them. My sound engineer heard a difference big enough to justify the additional cost for him. At the end of the day I guess that’s what it’s all about?

[@jlaurson]

@@PearlAcoustics "My sound engineer heard a difference big enough to justify the additional cost for him." Perhaps your sound engineer is getting too generous a salary from you?! P.S. Are you hiring? 🙂

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@jlaurson he’s self employed and in demand! 😀

[@hallaiged]

Thank you Harley, top result. I have always bought British kit, it's a no brainer. I only use CD now (1990's>), never owned a seperate dac, never had a streamer. Your office system says it all for me, cool :-) My office system is all within two large oak bookcase units. CD, top loader, dac inputs, lights off; integrated amplifier with passive pre-amplifier; bookshelf speakers designed and tuned by musicians. Exposure MCX CD (2008), Exposure amp, Neat Motive SX3. (Congratulations on your wonderful 'Sibelius', will try and get a listen) Well done sir, looking forward to more.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you, you’re very kind!

[@pegun]

Love the CD Revolution mini series, really enjoyed it 👍🏻

[@PearlAcoustics]

So pleased!

[@thomasandersen1784]

At my +35 years with this chasing for better sound, ivé finally ended up with i call, some kind of "end-game" set-up. It took me a long time, first to understand the synergy effect in a system, the room itself, set-up and of course preferences. I found my end-game amps for 8 years ago (Lavardin: pre/mono), with their made up speakers to follow up their line of amps (Le Contoure Stabile 160 - floorstanders). I use to own the 1. gen of the Rega Saturn, and loved it for over a decade, as i bought it new. In between i owned a few other brands (CD Players), and the last one was the Linn Ikemi, which was in my oppinionmy second best sounding player ever. But that one got an error, which was to exspensive to fix. So i was out on the market again, but did already at the time know what i wanted. Becouse of my economic situation, i was looking for an used Saturn-R. For 3 weeks ago, i found one, and OMG...did i come home again? Ohh yes, i remember the analog sounding way it plays, and the feeling of music flowing out of my speakers. But this time, i found the player to be even better, than the first one (1. gen). But that is exactly the way Rega goes about. They do NOT release a new vs. of any thing, wittout an upgrade. The only different from the Saturn-R to the new one (Saturn mk III), is the front/cabinet, who now fits the range of components. My record player is also a Rega....It´s the P8/Apheta II combo, running through my Lehmann Black Cube SE II ref. phono stage, and the only thing i maybe would change down the line, is the riaa. And if i could afford it, i would go for the P10.....but that´s another story to tell. Thx for the great knowledge and time,. Peace and love from Denmark.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks Thomas, you’re very kind. And thanks too for sharing your story.

[@johnnewcomb5162]

My $20 dollar Goodwill, Sony blu ray player sounds so good playing CDs, the best that I have heard. Great video thanks for sharing.

[@PearlAcoustics]

👍🙏

[@laika25]

Done. Watched the three. Very engaging triptych, as always.👏👏

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks!

[@BoneyBobsTreasure]

Really excellent, an activity well beyond the reach of others, thank you for your continued efforts.

[@PearlAcoustics]

You’re very welcome! Thanks

[@klaus-peterkolling2311]

Hello Harley, thank you for your experience with CD players, since I have several SACDs, I also use a Marantz SACD player, the SA30N. Its sound with SACD is significantly better than the comparable CD. As a DAC I use also an RME ADI 2DAC FS also in connection with an Audiolab 6000 CDT, you should compare this transporter with the project. Project: Display brightness = With the "Mode" button on the remote control you can adjust the display brightness in 10 levels and change the color mode (black background/white font or white background/black font)

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi Klaus-Peter, thanks for your comment. If I get a chance, I will certainly try the Audiolab. The Project display in my video was on its darkest setting 😉. But as I said it is not really a deal breaker

[@tonyenglish5153]

I love this mans investment in audio enhancement for all of us hi-fi (high end) audio fans. I remember the 70's and 80's and so I really appreciate the sharing of analog research and the separation of instruments and the education one can experience from this channel. Its therapeutic in many ways.Wish I could afford a pair of Sibelius SG's and so maybe a retirement goal.

[@PearlAcoustics]

So pleased you enjoy the channel. Best wishes to you.

[@the80slivehere]

👍😃. Excellent video, Mr. Lovegrove! Most interesting! - Heather

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you Heather.

[@eighteenin78]

None of the CD players from the first part were multi-disc players. I am so happy with my 5 CD player with its big CD trays. Perhaps electronic components were compromised to save costs, but being able to load a whole evening's music into the tray and letting it run takes duration almost to a practical limit. (Aside from compressed media and the radio). And my aging ears can get used to more imperfections than I could in the good old days. I actually have several of these multi CD players, and I am sure at least one will outlive me when they start breaking.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your contribution to the discussion

[@johnlittletree875]

A lot of us have had terrible experinces in the 1990's with multi-disc players over time much more so than with single player machines.

[@bugsbunny4698]

Lovely series of videos, as always. Thank you for your effort.

[@PearlAcoustics]

You’re very welcome. Thanks

[@jcarter3562]

Having owned many many cd players over the years, some real high end and some of those mentioned here, I can honestly say the best sounding players (and best for reliability) I've had the pleasure of owning are the recent generation mid upwards Denon players. With their excellent Alpha processing circuitry (which really makes red book compact disc sound so naturally real) to their terrific transport mechanisms, build and value for money, these players are the ones I won't be changing. What's more is they are true minimalist cd/sacd/DSD5.6 high resolution players with no added xtras. So you get the very best sound out of the format.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks interesting…

[@bubblehead5394]

In todays world, a quality CD players must cost around $5000 or higher.

[@jcarter3562]

@@bubblehead5394 I don't completely disagree with you, but that's not been my experience! Having said that I've had my two Denons heavily modified. One of the players is within the price range that you mention, has had exactly the same mods done as my cheaper player at half the price, and that player in no way sounds inferior to the dearer model. Its all about good general design in the first place and a cd player having good power supplys, circuit designs etc.

[@bubblehead5394]

@@jcarter3562 It's a CD player not an Electrostatically Supported Gyro Navigator (ESGN) on a nuclear submarine, lmao. I too have owed a handful of high-end CD players and highly revealing systems. In the end, its mostly hogwash.

[@GeirRssaak]

​no, you must know that bluerays from good producers perform better than most cd players

[@johnlittletree875]

First I absolutely enjoy your video's always great content. I like how balanced your video's tend to be and your open mindset to let the chips fall where they may! Onkyo makes a very affordable CD player the 7030 for $299 it has been in production for some time now. Mine is older and uses a Wolfson DAC but I think the latest one uses AKM. When I bought it I bought it back in 2017 to keep by my bed to listen to guided meditation CD with headphones. Now it is part of my system. I got tired of purchasing used Sony Discman portables that would fail after a year of use.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you for your kind words. Your Onkyo CD player sounds great value for money.

[@TheNaka9]

Marvelous video, well done and very informative. Please keep exploring this topic. As a CD aficionado I continue to buy CDs (every week!) and keep more several CD players on rotation in my system. I wish that you had also tested some more UK players, like the Linn Ikemi or the Meridian 508.24, as those were near the best machines ever made. Maybe next time. I wonder how they compare with the Pro-ject combo...

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your very kind appreciation. It would indeed be very interesting to hear a Linn and equivalent US top of the range.

[@GeirRssaak]

No,please! This video is not informative,but confusing! I wish people could get education and learn about analog and digital principles!

[@darrenwendell1723]

That Philips from part 2 looked great. The other ones look like boring boxes.

[@michaeltb1358]

I have the original Cyrus CDi and original external PSU. I had many problems reading discs until the firmware was updated. Apparently they had reduced the error correction to improve the sound, but I could never find out whether that had caused the problems. One interesting point is that the slot is now illuminated. I queried why mine is not and they told me they were concerned that the light would affect the sound. No problems after the upgrade and still happy with the CDi. Glad to see the Cyrus green backlight has gone.

[@PearlAcoustics]

👍

[@TheNaka9]

A couples of weeks ago I have bought an Audiolab 9000CDT CD transport and it surpassed my wildest expectations. It is stunningly better than my other CD transports and CD players from the digital outputs. The way it pull out information from the silver discs is amazing, with no glare, harness or fatigue. Try one if you can :)

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your comment and contribution to the discussion. And for the tip!

[@Blu3B34R]

Loved the serious. Im looking a cd player for my Ls 50 kef. Not sure what to go for. I thought of the rega appollo cd player.

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@Blu3B34R The Rega should be fine. Enjoy.

[@r423fplip]

Have you measured this information. Remember it's either a 1 or a 0. Where would the harshness and glare come from. It's a transport !

[@GeirRssaak]

Very good!

[@jeremiahchamberlin4499]

Great review, and I understand your choice this time. (I’m still puzzling over your choice of turntable.) I have an old Madrigal transport, and a newer universal player by Oppo (BDP 105D) and newer is better than older. Both sound the same through an external DAC, but the Oppo has a DAC built-in, with digital inputs and outputs. It certainly gives me more options. I just wish they would standardize the I2S / HDMI interface; I’m also seeing the AES balanced digital I/O missing on many new digital components. I get better sound though it, generally.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks very kind. I too find it annoying that I2S is not standardised. In fact I am totally aligned on your comments (apart from my turntable choice, but it needs to be heard and seen to be fully appreciated) 😉

[@charlesf2804]

Thanks for showing these players and giving us your thoughts. I'm not in the market for a player, but am intrigued by all three. I tend to prefer Wolfson DACs over ESS Sabre ones, based upon my experience with my Pioneer Elite Blu-Ray players, The BDP-09FD (Wolfson DACs) and the BDP-88FD (ESS Sabre DACs). The Wolfsons are a bit fuller and richer, with more weight to the sound, whereas the ESS may have a bit more detail. I also noticed that when I increased the upsamling on the 88FD, the bottom thinned out some to my ears. And since my setup doubles as a home theater, I prefer the fuller sound of the 09FD. Perhaps the Rega Wolfsons aren't the same as in my 09, nor the Sabres in the Cyrus and Pro-Ject as in my 88FD; I guess I'd have to hear them with familiar material. Thanks again for this video.

[@PearlAcoustics]

You’re very welcome Charles! Thanks for your comment

[@andrehendrik]

Great discussion -- cheers

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks! 🙏

[@Planardude]

Thank you for a fantastic series on the history of CD's and the evaluation of different CD players. This was one of the best presentations I have seen on this topic. Certainly a much watch for any CD enthusiast or audiophile. I would make a few comments as a non-audiophile but a simple music lover with aging ears but some experience. Firstly digital sound - CD quality is very good - it far exceeds the capability of your speakers or headphones. Those that can truly double blind a difference are a very small minority. Your part 2 subjects were obviously very skilled listeners (most are not) and they detected differences. Those differences seemed not to relate to the player but to the DAC. This would suggest the transport has minimal input but the DAC does. This would further suggest using a CD Player with an outboard DAC would be be the best choice- a transport would likely not change but a DAC may. ASR website reviews numerous DACs with performance that far exceeds human hearing so perhaps a sensible alternate to uber expensive players. So as a nonaudiophile my opinion may be questioned but I have numerous disc players - Bryston, Oppo, Sony, Technics etc as well as numerous DACS - Topping, Gustard - so a bit of experience.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you very much for your kind words and for your interesting contribution to the discussion. Glad you enjoyed the series.

[@ramarlopez8895]

Great video..I have the Mk2 version of the re ga..love its sound..one issue the remote is not so responsive..needs to be aimed and pressed just so to get the Saturn to respond.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks Ramar! I didn’t have the remote problem. I know that can be annoying. Have you tried using another remote, or changing the batteries 😉. It’s always a question as if it is the infrared receiver or the remote itself.

[@ramarlopez8895]

@@PearlAcoustics yep new batteries..no improvement..btw..the internal DAC has selectable filters..I'm curious if these settings affect the sound of the Saturn when used as an ordinary cdp? I can only adjust the filters in DAC mode via the remote..or does the rega default to a specific setting as a standalone cdp?

[@williambrown7484]

Re: Display dimming. The remote for Regas have a ‘Display’ button that turns the display on and off.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Indeed, thanks

[@AdiMaco]

Very nice and entertaining video!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you very much!

[@maconpatton]

I enjoyed your 3 videos. I own a Rega Apollo. I find the same issues with the cut outs to be at odd angles. The bad thing is with the Rega remote…it has a short communication distance from the listener to the transport. I have to get closer than my sitting area to command the remote than 6-7’ (feet) from the cd. As well, why red LEDs? My Pass amp & preamp are blue…my DAC (Schiit Yggdrasil) has white back lights which are kind of universal. Im being picky but honest with my feelings here. I also thought the Cambridge Audio Cd products work & sound quite good. Anyway thanks again. This was well done.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your comment and contribution to the topic

[@4ujase]

I nostalgically recall my first CD player in the 8O's a front loading Marantz CD, built like a tank. This was the catalyst that opened the door for my love for anything digital. Today, I listen to my music through DSD512 high resolution standalone DAC with a linear power supply. 40 years on, kudos to CD's for still having a presence in the world of internet streamers, Spotify, Tidal, Deezer and et'al.

[@4ujase]

Ps. Great video from Pearl Acoustics, absolutely love your laid back approach! It will be great if you can do a Standalone DAC or DAC-Streamers video. Comparing the current cream of the crop or various budgets. I have been swayed towards China-Fi, they have some truly amazing stuff, such as Topping, SMSL, Eversolo etc (I recently upgraded from Topping E50 to Eversolo Z8). Also bring into the mix, the British contenders or European, such as Chord, Gustard, RME, Project, Cambridge, NAIM and et'al. It'll be really interesting to hear your views and what you make of it. Anyway my 2 cents!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your kind words Jason, and for your contribution to the discussion. I will give DAC evaluation / streamer evaluation a thought; it’s a difficult topic with many people in Videoland giving it a try! Enjoy the music

[@DonHamlin]

Very well done and interesting as usual. Very enjoyable to watch.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks Don!

[@manitoublack]

Spoken by a man with a true passion Harley. While you discussed using the analogue out's in this video almost exclusively, detailing the differences in internal DAC performance. From part-2, your listeners concluded that if using a digital out from the CD player, then the test was a wash. Noting the sound characteristics of the external DAC being the defining feature. With that in mind; if you have a DAC/Receiver that you're very happy with. Do you see any value (other than aesthetics) in big $$/€€ CD-Players/transports over a cheap blu-ray player or even a laptop/PC outputting over HDMI (ideally) or SPDIF? My transport is a Sony UBP-X700 Blu-Ray/SACD player. Simply because it was an available, modern SACD player with 4K HDR blu-ray capabilities. And with modern AVR's not having multi-channel analogue inputs, being able to send DSD 5.1 over HDMI was a 'must-have' feature. On my (admittedly modest) system: 'Dark Side of the Moon' in 5.1 almost brings a ear to your eyes and chills to your spine. Blows the mind of everyone I show it to. Keep up the great work and thoughtful content Jordan

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi Jordan, thanks for your kind comment. If it is only sound quality you are looking for, then there is no need to spend a fortune. If it’s ease of use and or a piece of ‘nice’ looking equipment, then no. 😉

[@yoanncornec7100]

Fantastics videos ! When I sold my traditional hifi system to a modern « all in one » KEF LS60 (speakers with integrated amp, streamer and dac), I compared my REGA Saturn mk2 to my Philips CD 723 (that I secondhand bought when a was a student) and… there were no difference ! So i sold the REGA and kept the cheaper one !😅

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your compliments and also for your interesting back story.

[@musiclassica]

Thanks for the 3-part on CD, Harley. Finally someone who values the format. As to Cyrus lay-out, it always reminds me of these cheap plastic CDPs we had in the ‘90’s. They should really look into that. The Rega would be my winner of the 3 presented. But to be honest, give me a Yamaha CD-S2100 any day over these three. Same amount of money but so much more quality. Just my 0.02.

[@krihanek117]

Yamaha CD-S2100?

[@musiclassica]

@@krihanek117 My bad. Thanks!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your kind appreciation. And thanks for your contribution to the discussion

[@musiclassica]

@@PearlAcoustics You’re welcome, Harley. Been following you for quite a while now. All the while saving up for a pair of the Sibelius.

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@musiclassica 😀👍 so glad you enjoy my videos. Best wishes, H

[@jonnyb2532]

Anyone who has ever had a front loader transport that fouled up will looove the Rega's manual top loading.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Indeed!

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

Rega is failing at cd players sorry to say. The apollo debacle the lack of support for the Planet 2000 forget Rega.

[@robertdowell9493]

If the best sonic performance is your goal (and the way your equipment looks is secondary to that goal), I would abandon domestic equipment completely. Using balanced professional studio equipment and monitors is often cheaper than comparably accurate domestic kit. A 2-channel interface like the Focusrite Clarett 2i2 contains twin mono DACs and preamps that have more than ample sampling rates, dynamic range and frequency response to cope with the S/PDIF coax output (or if you want to go mad, the balanced AES3 output) of a pro transport like the Tascam CD500. Using a laptop and the Mix Control software that comes with the interface, just route the S/PDIF IN directly to “Monitor Out” for zero latency through the interface, select the source as the clock and select the correct sampling rate, and you’ve got a completely separate balanced pair (stereo LR) at the outputs. You can stay in the low noise +4dBu arena all the way through the ongoing signal chain if you want and use a pair of mono power amps (or a 2 channel amp) to drive a pair of near field studio monitors (ATC SCM7/LS3/5a or the like). Or go big and hook up a pair of active SCM25s. Using professional audio gear gives you access to massive headroom for your speakers, typically +6dB. That gives you access to very high impedance passive speakers (11 Ohms+). Class D amps have come an awful long way and are now standard in most professional studios. No more massive transformers with their associated heat dissipation problems etc. Then there’s the software switchable sampling rates to make use of as well. And you can rack mount everything you need in a 19” 6U rack for neatness. There’s no doubt that at the top end of the professional market you can spend the same and much more than you’d have to pay to buy domestic equipment but why would you? There’s a lot of seriously good used professional audio gear sloshing around the market at the minute. If you have the time and the inclination to get your head into it, you can access full range, very high fidelity sound reproduction at realistic sound pressure levels in any room. You’ll also be able to hear every example of poor recording technique in glaring detail. If you think Bonham’s squeaky pedal is annoying…you’re in for an interesting time going through your collection!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Dear Robert, thank you for your excellent contribution to the discussion!

[@michaelbooth6007]

I was looking for a CD transport and tried the Project which you have here. I sent it back because it wouldn't read some CD's. In the end I finished up with the Audio Analogue CD drive. This unit is not prefect either as it has no optical out and a very small screen which is difficult to read from the listening position. It also causes two class d amps that I own to hum when it is in circuit through my speakers so I cannot use these amps with it. My best transport is actually an Emotiva EC3 CDP which has none of these problems. Regarding the Rega CDP I would buy the cheaper CDP that they make which has the same mech and use it with a separate Dac and save myself some money!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks Michael. What a shame you had problems with your cd transport. So far, mine has behaved perfectly

[@markcarrington8565]

As a Musical Fidelity fan, I’m surprised one of their vintage players didn’t make your list. I’m thinking of the Nu-Vista 3D or A308 models in particular, which were considered reference standard in their day by many. I’ve been using the A3.2 with upgrades to the internals, including discreet opamps from Burson Audio. I’ll be keeping this as I’ve yet to hear a digital source to beat it, including some of the very best at Hi-Fi shows. Still can’t retrieve as much detail as my Linn turntable though.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your comment Mark

[@pauldavies6037]

Yes I had a Meridian 208 combo and later the M F NuVista player which sounded a bit better on certain discs but like you was poor compared to my LP set up

[@LorenzoNW]

The Black Ice is my end-game CD player. It sounds REALLY nice, especially after upgrading it with great NOS tubes, Duelund silver bypass capacitors, a Furutech IEC power inlet, and a Synergistic Research Master Fuse.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Sounds very intriguing!

[@itsonlyme9938]

I have a Naim CD5X loading the CD is simplicity itself. and with a hi cap it sounds wonderful.

[@PearlAcoustics]

these things are the important elements in the discussion

[@patthewoodboy]

I have heavily modified Naim CD3 , external PSU etc etc, it sound wonderful and the reason I got into CD in 2004. Loved this 3 part listening review 🙂

[@PearlAcoustics]

So glad you enjoyed it Jonathan

[@shaunjp2211]

Hi very interesting video.. Personally I'd prefer the rega over the other other two. For me at least, it has far less negatives . I do like the look of the Cyrus and its practicality as it can be placed almost anywhere. The project has too many boxes for me and placing the CD into it means its lid is at 90° . Meaning the device placement is even more restricted than any of the others here. But for me the most important factor is price for level of function and fidelity . I just can't see why you'd spend double, is the sound so much better? But perhaps the choice is at the end of the day just down to personal preference..

[@bulentboran6907]

Thanks once again for such a great comparison. I really would like to hear your opinion on SACD's.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, thanks for your kind appreciation. As far as SACD's are concerned, I am afraid I gave them a wide birth. I know many people rave about them but not every player can play them, the catalogue of SACD's is rather limited and I could not detect a major improvement, alongside a really good CD in a good CD player. But that is only my opinion.

[@bulentboran6907]

@@PearlAcoustics Thank you very much for your kind response.

[@mikemmikem2758]

On the Pro-Ject players I think the remote allows you to turn off the display.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Unfortunately not on mine. Maybe on the new ones…

[@martinpaling1989]

Having reflected on this, the critical element appears to be the DAC. So, the transport is secondary in the chain. The choice of transport may, therefore, depend largely on build quality. As many modern cd players / transports appear to have built in obsolescence (like most other things other, curiously, than cars, apart from their electronic components), presumably for mechanical issues, then DACs may be the way forward since, as far as I am aware, they have no moving parts. Of course, component quality will be paramount, so that suggests Chinese sourced kit is out.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi Martin, thanks for your comment. Although I am a big fan of local built… (our loudspeakers and soon to be realised tube amplifier) I have to say that when it comes to quality, much Chinese equipment is simply superb, you could even argue ‘the best’ and it’s the Chinese that are setting the quality standards in many areas these days. Especially on massed produced equipment. When I compare the quality of British QUAD equipment, there’s no doubt its manufacturing quality improved when they moved it to China.

[@martinpaling1989]

Thanks for your encouraging response about Chinese manufacture. Do you have any thoughts about the DAC being the critical link in the chain whereas, build quality apart, the choice of CD transport might be largely academic. As for Quad, my 66/606/CD67 is all in fine working order after 30 years and only one service ten years ago.

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@martinpaling1989 hi Martin, like you, I also have a QUAD 405, CD67 and a 66 preamp and also the tuner. And they are great! Yes the DAC is important, but the difference between most good Dac’s is rather subtle. Not like different amplifiers. But, because there are so many good Dac’s on the market (it’s hard to find a bad one) that it mostly comes down to convenience. For example, have you seen the Eversolo Dac / pre Z8? It’s what I mean about outstanding quality at a very reasonable price. My 5000 EUR Dac pre from Sugden has more inputs but sound wise, is not really much better. I also like the QUAD Artera…. It uses a burr brown and works just fine. But most of all, it’s really nicely made.

[@wouterkolkman]

I really watched the series of 3 episodes with great interest. I had watched 2 and 3 before, but did not have time to watch the first episode until now as I am recovering from a flu..I tried to listen to my Pioneer DVD/CD/ BLU Ray player as transport through a Holo Audio Spring DAC, but found it ‘unlistenable’. After a brief episode with a vintage Primare player, I now settled on the Shanling ET3 connected to a Denafrips DDC and DAC. It gives a very musical experience, and as you mentioned, there are many 2nd hand CD bargains. Thank you:-)

[@PearlAcoustics]

You’re very welcome. I wish you a speedy recovery from the Flu!

[@gsa34]

Great review! I’m looking at the Pro-ject RS2 as a transport into a Mola Mola Makua via AES EBU. Or am I wasting money on an expensive transport vs any cheaper options with AES?

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks. It’s all down to the quality of the mechanism and the ergonomics on a transport. I believe. So choose the one you feel will serve you best. The sound difference is likely to be minimal.

[@worthingtonmodelrailway8628]

As always enjoyed the video Harley. Observations - I lean towards a CD transport these days as I have invested in separate DAC(s). No SACD here? But we keep hearing it’s a dead format despite constant new “audiophile” SACD releases. Interesting comment on handing down CD’s - I recall all the doom and gloom re longevity of CD’s 20 years ago. Many of my CD-R’s are unplayable, but I can’t think of a commercially released CD that has an issue! I recently dug out an old Hitachi multi disc CD player DA-C70 from 90’s with Burr Brown chipset - it is still a superb sound!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks, your very kind. Indeed, commercially made CD’s tend to last indefinitely

[@jlaurson]

@@PearlAcoustics Well, there were two problems, early on in the world of CDs, that limited longevity. One was bronzing, which appeared esp. in old Hyperion discs - which makes sense, because (as I've just learned, reading up on it) it seems to have been caused by a faulty lacquer in a British manufacturing plant. The other was the early, well-meaning idea of keeping CDs from falling out of their spider-hold in multi-CD sets by inserting a layer of foam in between them. Seeing your CD collection for a brief second makes me assume you've had your share of those (perhaps in the Philips Mozart Edition from back when) - and if you don't catch that soon enough, the deteriorated foam will have attached itself to the top of the disc with astonishing permanence that no amount of water, detergent, and rubbing will get off. Other than that, CDs seem to last far longer than initially predicted and well possibly for generations to come. Meanwhile, good luck trying to play any other, OS-reliant digital data-format from 20 years ago.

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@jlaurson absolutely! Thanks for your very interesting contribution to the topic

[@tenantrep]

Fantastic three part series thank you so much I’m curious to know if you have a favorite CD player in the sub $200 range? I’m told if you can find a player with the 1541A DAC that’s the ticket. Any opinions? P.S. I’m not what I would consider an audiophile but rather a vintage stereo enthusiast. Thank you so much.

[@GeirRssaak]

Why not buy a good blue ray instead? They have a more advanced laser and perform better than most cd players!

[@tenantrep]

@@GeirRssaak Ha! 3 months later. I bought a Rotel RCD 975 and couldn’t be happier. Thank you.

[@abbersj2935]

Thanks for a very interesting trio of videos. I wonder if it would be useful to compare the new CD players (or selection of) with some of the "oldies"? One would I think be supprised.

[@PearlAcoustics]

You’re welcome

[@TheCharlesAtoz]

He's back! Grab the popcorn!! Harley, how do you define the word "musical"? I have my own ideas.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi Charles. Good question. I suppose ‘life like but with any harsh edges smoothed away’. Does that help?

[@TheCharlesAtoz]

Another reviewer thinks "musical" is a throw away word. My thoughts on it is, it's meant to be emotional. Or colored, but emotional might be too strong. I'm not a big fan of musicals, but when they're great it's emotional. "Colored" is a word that lends itself to "adding something." Maybe a tonal quality, but even that is different. Semantics, but what I don't like is using it then saying it is a generic word. It means something.

[@TheCharlesAtoz]

Yes your thoughts helped.

[@pc750-V4]

Not my words but .. "Musicality is the rhythm and timing that puts emotional meaning into the music."

[@peterlarkin762]

Musicality is mostly how the brain processes audio and your emotional/endochrine reaction to it. This is helped along at the hifi end by measurably good phasing, dynamics and transients to promote rythmical cues, a degree of even order harmonics, a linear response at all frequencies but with some slight boost and attentuation at specific frequency ranges. Or as the man says... Life like but with any harsh edges smoothed away:)

[@robertuskoppies444]

Great series of videos. Regarding Drives and DACs, please try Audio Analogue's AADrive and AADac. They're absolutely magnificent.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Good point, thanks!

[@Laguna2013]

This is so refreshing. A rigorous scientific comparison video. God bless you, sir. But, Im not sure I see a link to purchase the Pro-Ject piece that has 4 boxes. I see 2 box options. Please help? Also, I have a very nice pre-amp and amp now. Does that mean I should skip the two lower boxes? Thank you.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you for your kind words of appreciation. The four boxes you see are: the cd transport and the matching preamplifier and the two power supply boxes from Projekt, one for each unit. I hope that helps? Harley

[@Nephilim-81]

I have a CYRUS cd i along with the PSXR-2. I’ve had it for 5 years now and I’m never selling it. Enough said. ❤

[@PearlAcoustics]

That’s great!

[@r423fplip]

I have a Cyrus cd transport and a 8a amplifier plus psxr2 power supply. I never use them, they are in a cupboard gathering dust. Time for eBay.

[@williamhopper6602]

Thanks for interesting video. I collect cds so im interested.

[@PearlAcoustics]

You’re welcome

[@DeltaJazzUK]

I think the Pro-ject may have won because it was left switched on. I was sceptical of audiophile advice to leave a player permanently switched on until I tried it and found the difference in performance remarkable. My own ageing Arcam player doesn't start to sound its best until it's been on for about 4 days. Of course, even more of an effect can be achieved if you turn the volume down and run it on repeat, but that's a quick way to wear a player out too, as I've found to my cost in the past!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your comment. Of course there are always risks in leaving equipment on day and night.

[@ManfredDiehl-p1t]

I liked your review of the CD players. Well done. However, for the combination of the Project units, you could also get a Metronome Le Player CD player. Have you looked into this CD player from France?

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi Manfred, thanks for your kind appreciation. No, I do not know the Metronome Le Player. I will look it up. Thanks for the tip.

[@jacksonsystemslimited]

Whilst I like the latest & greatest such as with Cyrus, Pro-ject and Rega... I'd like to do this exact same review... but with older/vintage kit such as the Sony CDP-XB930 (Maybe this is where Pro-Ject got the 'puck' idea?) Philips CD Series and Maybe the Pioneer Stable Platter series - will see what I can get hold of! Harley, great viewing... Thanks!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your kind appreciation. It would be fantastic to hear how you get on when comparing… enjoy

[@sportscarnut]

Wait for the upcoming Schiit Urd transport with an excellent Unison USB-C output.

[@PearlAcoustics]

👍

[@thomasfi1275]

Harley, as I said many times, you do an fantastic job! Thank you again! It would be great and interesting for me if you could do a series of videos of your speakers with different amplifier do demonstrate system matching/synergy. I do own Harbeth SHL5+ speakers and I can’t stop thinking about trying your Sibelius one day… Maybe such kind of series will help potential buyers in their decision…??? 😉 Thank you very much.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi Thomas, thank you so much for your kind comment. Your support is very much appreciated. With regards making a video as you suggest, we have a big challenge here. However we do it, all you will hear is the sound of our loudspeakers through your loudspeakers and thus you will not hear what they really sound like. If you reach out to us via our website, my colleagues will try and find somewhere you can hear them live. I hope this answer does not disappoint you? Best wishes H

[@thomasfi1275]

@@PearlAcoustics Harley, thanks for your reply. And I do understand the dilemma. I was just thinking about your great videos of the Pass Labs or SMSL VMV A1…maybe you could continue those kind of videos. And thanks for your information to get in contact with pearl acoustics. Best wishes, Thomas

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@thomasfi1275 you’re welcome. More video like that coming. With videos on great recordings in-between

[@MAXLAND7]

Thank you for your video. After a lot of test, I choose the marantz SA17S1. He is realy difficult to beat, heaven with 12k streamer +dac.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Enjoy it

[@Cyriljayant]

Very nice video series . I learnt a lot and thank you. I have a Cyrus Amp and a Power amp. I never had a Cyrus CD. I love sound of Cyrus. By the way , what is that speakers ? It looks like a flow standing , one way type.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed the videos. The loudspeakers are made by us and are named after the Finish composer’Sibelius’. You can find out more on our website. PearlAcoustics.com

[@pc750-V4]

Thanks Harley for a comprehensive review. Out of the three I do really like the CD loading method on the Project, when I had seen pictures of it I wasn't sure but having seen you use it I do like it. I really dislike the Cyrus loading mechanism as its a slot loader and that bothers me as over time I feel sure that the CDs will get scratched and scuffed but I am intrigued that you didn't mention that so maybe I'm wrong? I feel without listening to any of them I like the Project setup better....

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks Peter, I didn’t mention about the potential problems you mention with the Cyrus because I am not aware of them. But I can appreciate your concern in this matter. For me, I like the simplest option, the fewest possible parts.

[@pc750-V4]

​​@@PearlAcoustics yes I like the simplicity of the Project (if thats what you are referring to) and it seems like it would be a more tactile, satisfying experience (if that makes sense) (The Rega doesn't seem bad in that respect either)

[@nudawas]

I use Sony CDP XB 920 QS which is connected via optical to my Technics Su g 700mk2 and my second setup via rca . Technics its digital amp so I dont need external dac for it . Both of those setups sound good so i belive internal dac in Sony is quiet good ( i would say it sounds warmer then dac in Technics) . I was thinking about changing my cd but to be honest there is nothing wrong with CDP and from what Ive reed about it it was almost top of the sony range at that time . Ive bought it in mint condition for 200euro few years ago and still can't find real reason to change it for something ( modern) thank you really interesting few episodes

[@PearlAcoustics]

You’re very welcome

[@15therock]

Excellent review particularly of the Rega which I have. For warmth, what would be an ideal amp choice around the £2K mark?

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your kind message. With regards a warm sounding amplifier at the £2K mark, that’s so difficult to say. There’s so much choice and so many variables. Your, room, your system, your needs, features etc. . You can consider Chinese products, or equipment from Rega or IAG…. There’s a very big list to choose from. I cannot really offer any advice here. Sorry about that.

[@martinda7446]

Those Cyrus cases must be one of the longest running HiFi case styles in history? The Rega just looks and feels like an esoteric expensive bit of Hi-Fi. I think it's beautiful. Even though the Cyrus cases are of real high quality in fit and finish, they do not give the user that special feel of the Rega. Top loaders do make placement an issue. The Cyrus can be stuck anywhere.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Indeed

[@robertjermantowicz-uw3iw]

Going way back Peter Aczel of The Audio Critic compared the sound of a Sony Discman to the then current Theta DAC. No difference was noted! The setup was a Boulder preamp/amp into Quad 63's. Makes one wonder about the purported claims for expensive DAC'S!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Once a certain quality level has been achieved. There can be differences but not necessarily‘improvements’

[@MichaelShawPhoto]

I agreed with you; the Pro-Ject seems very nice. Sadly not available in the United States, though. The website says it's temporary; we'll see...

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi Michael, I know sometimes they have a waiting list… I think they make them in batches..

[@MichaelShawPhoto]

@@PearlAcoustics Thank you. Incidentally, I truly enjoy your videos and waited patiently for the third part of this series. You are thorough and thoughtful but never a bore.

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@MichaelShawPhoto thank you. You’re very kind!

[@martinpaling1989]

To Harley. Notwithstanding my comment on your second video would you add a Pro-Ject transport (without DAC) to your system since you already have a Quad CD67? Which I have, by the way. Also a Thorens TD 160B MkII which you also seem to like. Very instructive videos, thank you.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi Martin, I know exactly where you are coming from. The only part that cannot be fixed is the lazer. But there are always secondhand units around from which you can scramble parts. The Project transport is 2500EUR… you can buy three for that price 😉

[@martinpaling1989]

Thanks for getting back, Harley. The CD67 is indeed wonderful. But what can you buy three of for €2500? Surely the CD67 is not worth €800? I also have the original matching preamp, control unit, power amp, all serviced by Quad. And the original CD67 controller and all manuals and boxes!

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@martinpaling1989 on EBay you can find secondhand quad cd 66’s and 67’s ususlly for around 600-700 euro, it’s the laser you need, most other parts are replaceable. Evrn the little cig wheel that drives the drawer mechanism can be purchased in line. There’s a guy who 3D prints them. I have the complete kit too but have a fully restored and modernised 405 as my power amplifier. The kit is in my office.