Retiring the fabled CD23

[will1066]

Welp...after four gorgeous years, I am shelving my "Ring" but still intend to keep it, either as a keepsake or for backup to the Ayre C-5xe I just got. While the Ayre is clearly the better player, let's just say I'm definitely experiencing the law of diminishing returns; the CD23 was/is just that good of a player. But the Ayre is still going into an AV8.

 

[colinmjohnson]

I did exactly the same to my CD36 after purchasing an EMC1-up.. Just can't let it go as it's so good, but the EMC is so good in a very different way.

I've never heard the Ayre, but the EMC1-up is so rich sounding and has a very full lower mid range unlike the CD36. I really should find a matching A32 and hook it up as a second system.

 

[will1066]

I did wish Arcam would take a shot at the upper/first-tier leagues in redbook or SACD playback, though it's not the company's philosophy to go beyond the US$3k price point.