CD Player Dilemma

[elDiablo]

Howdy!
I am in the market for a CD Player and have narrowed it down to 2 at the moment.

My current system consists of:

Rotel RSP-1066
Rotel RMB-1095
Rotel RDV-1060 (Should be shipped to me soon)
Swan Diva 6.1/C3/R3 Speaker Set
Toshiba TW56X81
Cat Cables all around.


For cosmetic reasons, I'd really like to get the Rotel RCD-1072 to match with the rest of my silver/black rotel equiptment... but I have yet had the opportunity to audition it since my dealer does not have one in stock (or any of the RCD-10XX CDPs). I have read good reviews on it...

Or should I spring for the Shanling CD-T100 Tube CD Player? Tube systems are new to me... Never owned one. I do REALLY enjoy the looks of the glow it emits... Oooo-La-La! As for the sound... almost every review gives it stellar remarks.

I know it’s a matter of apples and oranges... but maybe someone out there has some first hand experience with the two and
can give me some opinions. How does a Tube CD player compared to a solid state?

As for price. I can get 2 of the Rotels for the price of one Shanling. C’mon though... if the sound and sonics of the Shanling
is on par with the Rotel... I think the sexiness of the tube glow and heavy duty finish of the Shanling makes up for the price
diff... yeah?

Thanks!
Joseph

[Andrew Pratt]

That's a tough call given you haven't heard either unit. I think though that if you like a warmer sound the tubed CD player might be a good buy. The Rotel will likely be more defined on the upper end but won't have the tube smoothness so it sort of depends on what you like to listen to. If you're going to buy the shanling consider buying used to bring the cost down and that way if you don't like it you could likely unload it again with minimal loss.

[zedlep]

elDiablo,

I had bought the RCD 1072 a bit ago, and I can say that the player is very nice sounding. In comparison to my Sony 999, it is far more detailed, several veils have been lifted. At this price, you simply can't go wrong! I also have heard the Shanling player, and although it is nice, it is by no means the value that the Rotel is. I guess as is mostly the case, your budget would dictate your purchase. I have listened to more than a few players, and had many salespersons scough at the "entry level" high end epuipement, but the point of diminishing returns comes fast with this player. At the bare minimum, you will not take near the hit at resale if you chose to sell it later, which I don't think you would. HTH.


vest