Fella wrote:

Hi Folks,

Not forwarding anything for anyone anymore, so I thought I should get
back to my own handle.

Everytime I need to upgrade or change a component I come back to these
groups (and some certain other forums) in seach of advice. Here's one of
those times.

What's in question is a CD player selection problem. I am trying to
choose between a Linn Ikemi, Plinius CD101 and Musical Fidelity A5. In
order to further confuse myself I am asking for any other advice from
you folk. Something *cheaper* but matching in performance that I might
have missed. I really would like to avoid having to dish out some 3000+
Euros for a CD player but at the moment it seems to be the only way to go.

Any alternatives, including any spinner+dac combinations would be much
appreciated. Thanks.

PS: Jenn, give the Plinius, for instance, a listen.

Let me explain some basic facts !

A CD player firstly merely recreates the digital audio data on the CD that its
playing. It does this using its laser 'pickup'.

Let's assume first that the digital data is 'picked up' accurately. If this
doesn't happen you're stymied ! So don't buy some cheap ****.

It then passes through a DAC - a digital to analogue converter- that makes the
analogue signal we hear from the digital data.

Over the years, many advances in the accuracy of DACs have been made but
frankly even the inexpensive 'commodity' ones today are actually quite good.

If you think the DAC in your player may be inferior, simply get a player with
a digital output and buy a separate 'outboard' DAC using 'better' circuitry.
This actually makes for a good upgrade path. The digital data doesn't ever
change so your DAC simply sets the accuracy of reproduction and there's no
need ever to change the player.

Graham