Recommended source for headphone rig?

Hi all,

Currently, my set up is:

Graham Slee Novo
Graham Slee Cusat 50 (interconnects)
AKG K701s (with a "warmer", high-end set to be added when I can decide on one)
Oppo DV-983 (my main source)

After burning in my Novo & K701s I have decided that my source (as I semi-expected) isn't as musical as I want it to be, so it's time to get a dedicated CD player (this set up is just for headphones; no amp and speakers).

I will be mainly playing classical and vocal based music on it, so obviously I want something with excellent clarity and attention to detail (I enjoy hearing the extra production noises "behind" the track). But my number 1 priority is a player that conveys the emotional content of music (i.e. soul stirring); essential if you (like myself) are in to stringed solos (I mean the instruments... ).

I don't want to spend ridiculous amounts on a new source but I do believe that you (often) get what you pay for, so probably an absolute maximum of £1,000, providing I can find a buyer for my non-essential organs...

I have been looking at the Cyrus CD8SE (as What HiFi were raving about it) and it seems pretty good, but I'm not a fan of the looks. Although, I can imagine how the size will look perfect with my Novo on top.

Apart from that, I'm interested in:
Cambridge Audio Azur 640c V2 - IMO one of the best looking players around,
Marantz CD6002 - which I actually demo'd vs a high-end Pioneer DVD player in a random test (at a shop with a naff setup), but even then I could hear the improvement,
Arcam CD73T & CD192 - also lookers,
and the Exposure 2010s CD - once again, I like the minimalist looks.

Can anyone make any suggestions? I'm pretty open minded so if you have any of your own recommendations, hit me.

One thing though: I like the idea of the cheaper options and as upgrades exist, would getting one and then spending say £500 on upgrades (the maximum "level" I have found) make them good enough to beat an already £1k player? Or would it just be a waste? I noticed that some of you have upgraded models; I want to hear from you!

As I'm going to the Sound & Vision show in a few weeks, I would like to go there with a shortlist to check out. Your opinions will be helpful.

Thanks guys,



T

Really? I had heard from different places that the Oppo is pretty good, which is why I originally bought it (before my serious headphone days began). Hmm, I think I need to get my ears looked at...

I'll have to look into the dealer comparison suggestion. Thanks mate!

I took a punt on an old Cyrus DVD7+ which I spied in a junk shop. I researched and upgraded the DAC to the Q version.

I haven't yet put the PSX power supply on it yet ( intend to when I see one for £220 or so) but I do feel it works very well with my Solo MC.  I haven't tried the newer models but have to say that if they are an improvement on what I am listening to, then I would be happy with them.

Might see you at Bristol on Friday.  I'll be the one hogging the new HD800s.

Regards

Sceptre

miT, if you are a member of Rock Grotto log in and send Alex (SandyK) a PM. He has a set of mods to improve the Oppo, they are cheap and relatively easy to do. Good luck.