I really, really liked the CAL Audio players from the past. To let you know where I'm coming from. I had 2 CAL Audio Icon MKII super Boss Players. I had the EAD DSP7000II with a T1000 transport too that was excellent. That Transport was the Pioneer "stable platter" transport I have never heard of failing.
I had a Sony SACD XA7777ES, I didn't buy or care to get into SACD much because there was not enough music available of what I listen to.Great build good sound, I sold it.
I went to a well reviewed tubed Eastern Electric SACD CD player next. Very nice, I should have not sold it and saved myself all the trouble listed below. Actually, I could not find another one used at the time and these are now discontinued.
I had a NEW well reviewed Consonance Linear 120T, dead out of the box, drawer/ trans problems that this player is noted for.This is a piece of junk. I had a used Carry 308T another well regarded player, dead out of the box, drawer transport problems again. I was not that impressed with build quality on this player either. Damn, I didn't get to hear either of these players. It's that shit Phillips transport the CD12.
I then went to a Benchmark DAC1 with a Denon 1650AR (mint, I got cheap)
as a Transport. I had a 1650AR before and liked the build on it. Sanyo transport and still available.
This is a circa '93 player. That combo was very nice but missing that something again.
We are all nuts!
I heard Steve's Raysonic 168 and liked it, I liked it better than the Altman at the time at Richie's. I read the reviews on both the Raysonics, 128 and the 168. I purchased the 128 used.
Hey, no friggin drawer to screw up now. Trans port is Sony which isn't really saying much I guess.
It is an extremely nice sounding player in NOS mode and built very good, at least I think so.
All this BS from selling the EE CD player and roughly over a 6+ month period.
There are 2 Raysonic 128s on Agon right now.
Since I got my Rega P5 I have not listened to CDs in a month.
I won't get in to tables now but this table just "boogies"! It kills my Basis 1400 I had for 5 years.
The Raysonic also gives that feeling. This is my system, my taste, and priorities which can be pretty different form others here. YMMV, I had to throw that in. My biggest priority is to be moved by the music and presentation. It has to draw me in and make me want to listen.
That is my adventure for now. Sorry for being a bit long winded.
Den