[goodstuff]

I'm building a new home system consisting of the following:

Kef Q900 Speakers
Aura NS15 Subwoofer(already own it)
2 Crown XLS 1500 Amps
Denon AVR-X2000 Receiver
Oppo BDP-103 Source Unit


I've owned my existing system for 20 years. I'm going all out (for my budget anyway) in hopes this one will last just as long. I need suggestions for a nice cd player in the sub 500 dollar range. I used to own a 5 disc carousel and kind of miss it. Thank you.

 

[lostthumb]

If you can find a used Cambridge Azur 640CV2, it would be a nice player. I have one and I love it.
A lot of people also go for the Oppo Blue Ray players.

 

[lostthumb]

Cambridge new player is a Azur 651 C and it runs $599.00

 

[ErinH]

If you're using the xls1000 for the q900's, don't buy it. It has a lower SNR spec than the others in that line. A reviewer noted he had audible floor noise, and he upgraded to the xls1500 to resolve the issue.

 

[ErinH]

I'll second the option of an Oppo for CD player use. You can buy used previous model Oppos for less than $500. But, even the current BDP-103 itself is $499 new and will completely future proof you for the foreseeable future. Meaning, it provides you all sorts of features you may not have an immediate need for but might later: the video capability is bar-none, networking if you ever want to go with a NAS setup or you can connect an external drive. You've got BD (obviously) so you could rock HD audio from a concert movie. SACD... all sorts of great features with Oppo.

Also, they are GREAT with updating their FW regularly if a bug is caught or they want to add features.

I use the BDP-103 myself in my HT and have been very happy with the purchase. For $499, I honestly can't see the point of even considering other options.

The only other option I could see you doing if you will ONLY ever want stereo is to look at their BDP-105. It's $1200 but it has XLR outputs for stereo outputs (regular RCA for the additional outputs) and can be used as a pre-amp itself, completely negating the need to use an AVR if you use separate power amps. I've considered doing this myself but I can't justify it.... plus I need the features of my AVR namely, for the extra Zones. The 103 can be used a pre-amp itself as well but I wouldn't recommend it; it's not intended to be used in that manner and results in a bit higher noise floor (speaking from experience).

Edit: just to clarify, the 105 can be used for multi-channel, but it's 2-channel audio section is kind of the cream of the crop. it even has dedicated XLR outputs for 2-channel stereo. And overall it's the better option than the 103 if you want to bypass a dedicated pre-amp altogether and use the oppo as the pre-amp.

 

[goodstuff]

(In my best Italian gangster accent)
^This guy right here,
I love this guy.

Thanks Erin. I was planning on using the xls1000 on the Kefs.

 

[ErinH]

haha.

no problem, dude.


FWIW, I have XLS1500's. I ordered the XLS1000 for rear speakers but could indeed hear the noise floor.

 

[goodstuff]

I know I'm treading into argument/ snake oil territory but any preference for speaker wire? I'm starting to get pumped for this.

 

[ZombieHunter85]

Please post pics of the build

 

[goodstuff]

Will do.

 

[goodstuff]

I might ib the sub. On the other side of the wall in my stereo room there is a hollow knee wall....oh boy this is getting fun.

 

[goodstuff]

I thought about the bdp105 vs bdp103...Going with the 103 and keeping the avr simply for the volume knob.

 

[ErinH]

^ you've got PM.

 

[goodstuff]

My listening room is 10x11 with an 8' ceiling.
Is this too small for the q900's?
Going to take a picture so you can see how the room is setup right now. I still have my old gear in here. Looking for placement advice. Thanks.

 

[ErinH]

Personally, the only reason I'd worry about them being 'too big' is simply in regards to them fitting in the room. People often talk about SPL... bookshelves are OK for small rooms, towers are good for large rooms... that sort of thing. I say hogwash... buy the largest speaker you can afford.

 

[goodstuff]

 

[goodstuff]

Well I am back toying with the idea of buying the bdp 105. Don't care that it does not have a knob for volume. I'm sure it can be turned down via remote. It has ridiculous specs....and I can jusify the cost since I wont need a receiver...and this setup is really only for music not home theater....I dont watch many movies.

 

[ErinH]

yea. you can control the volume via remote. it's sweet... I personally couldn't justify spending that much money on just stereo, but if you got it to burn... do it.

 

[Viggen]

I know I'm treading into argument/ snake oil territory but any preference for speaker wire? I'm starting to get pumped for this.

My speaker cable isn't anything fancy.... It's old monster cable stuff if I recall.... I would start with quality cables....Xlr cables make a world of difference ... Unfortunantly my Parasound amps do not accept XLR thus... I need to buy some new amplifiers

 

[goodstuff]

My speaker cable isn't anything fancy.... It's old monster cable stuff if I recall.... I would start with quality cables....Xlr cables make a world of difference ... Unfortunantly my Parasound amps do not accept XLR thus... I need to buy some new amplifiers

Yes the 105 has xlr outs...and I see crown xls amps have xlr in.