Value, value, value....transport, detail, resolution...did I mention value?

Very system/cable dependent. Soundstage depth somewhat compressed.

The is for the new 96/24 model.

I agree with the other reviews on the CD8b. Even at the full retail price of $350-400, this deck would be a bargain.
Since my first love is analog, I did not want to spend a lot on a replacement for my NAD 5000, but had no choice to replace it since it was just worn out...only lasted 9 years.

Out of the box, I heard detail in my CDs I'd never noticed before. This deck definitely has it in the resolution/detail department.

Build quality is unheard of at this price point. Understated and solid. It uses Sony's best mainline transport, which explains the smooth operation.

As others noted, it "CAN" sound lean, almost bright, but I've found this to be system/cable dependent to a great degree. Do NOT use the cheap RCA cables that come with it.
Also, paired with forward of neutral electronics, it will sound just that way.

However, mated to my Musical Fidelity A3 with Straightwire Rhapsody interconnects and the A3 feeding AR11s, biwired with AudioQuest Type 4, this deck shines far better than it has a right to.
I also ran it with the A2 integrated and that combo even bettered the A3. It also would be a great match with valve gear. In fact, if you check the AMC home page, you will notice they have two other CD8 versions of this deck. One with QUAD Burr Brown 96/24 DACs and another with a tubed output stage.

Heartily recommended. Audio Advisor still has them for $199.

Similar Products Used:

None

Review of the CD8B 24-bit CDP.
This is a great CD player for the money. I would give it SIX stars if I could!

I've only A/B-ed it to a piece of crap SONY unit circa 1993. This unit blows the cover off the sony. The AMC sounds so much warmer and less...well digital.

The only problem I had with this unit was a DOA remote. Thankfully, saturday audio sent me a new one at no extra cost.

For those on a budget, this is the one!!!

I'm looking for a second system CD player that I like as much as my older Marantz CD-52. I love the 52 so I'm naturally leaning to a Marantz Cd-67. But I get a deal on the CD-8a for $200 so I have to at least bring it home and listen. I have 30 days to return it if I want. The AMC has the look and feel of a much more expensive machine. I liked the looks and slim profile a lot. Additionally this (full retail) $350 machine has balanced outputs. Damn does AMC believe in this little thing or what? I mean a $350 cd player with balanced outputs...well I was impressed, at least. After A-B'ing it against my trusty CD-52 I had to like them both, but for different reasons. The Marantz had more air between instrumentz. However, during this comparison, the AMC revealed to me that the Marantz had some digital harshness not present in the CD-8a. The AMC was much....for lack of a better word---smoother. It was crisp and clear, but more buttery than the older Marantz. additionally the demo was on my reference speakers which have silk-dome tweeters and I'm auditioning this player for a second system with metal tweeters. I think the CD-8a should be a great match. Final question: do I spend the additional 4150 -200 for a Marantz CD-67 and put the old 52 on the second system, or run with the CD-8a and pocket the difference. .....well, with the extra cash I could.....

Very smooth sounding. Detailed without being fatiguing.

Occasionally has trouble reading CDs, but it is once in a great while.

I am very satisfied with this player. Unbelievable sound for the money. It's smoothness reminds me of my old Meridian 508. No, it's not better than the 508, but the fact that a $199 player reminds me of one costing much more should tell you how much it impresses me. Along with my Mordaunt Short MS-90's the smartest audio buy I've made.

Similar Products Used:

At this price range? none, but once owned Meridian's 508.20 player (should have kept it!)

Nice clean design and display, 24/96 bit Burr Brown, nice price too.

Sensitive to vibration. I handled this problem with switching out the factory feat with Bright Stars dome feet, which are also available at Audio Advisor. However, my Creek CD 43 MKII does not have any problems with vibration.

For $199 (Audio Advisor is selling this for half the suggested retail price of $399) you cannot beat this as a replacement for an outdated CD player. Looks similar to NAD's CD players. It has a very nice display...better display than the Creek CD 43 MKII. Only complaint is its sensitivity to heavy vibration.

I chose this over the offerings from Cambridge for the value. I have Musical Fidelity's X-10D on standby if I think the AMC needs some help.

Similar Products Used:

Any CD player under $400.

open, full sound with tube-like warmth.

must be broken in (duh!)

This review is for the CD8b and my system consists of a Musical Fidelity A3 integrated amp, Straight Wire Rhapsody interconnects, and Spica Angelus speakers connected with the best of the Vampire Wire speaker cable (circa late 80s). When I first hooked the CD8b up, I was disappointed. It was replacing a very cheap JVC 5 disc changer and the JVC sounded far superior even with standard connects. HOWEVER, after letting the player play non-stop for about two weeks (I left it on repeat play with the volume down at night), I noticed a DRAMATIC change in the sound. I can't emphasize the word "dramatic" enough. The sound became fuller, more detailed, and clearly superior to any CD player I've heard to date (at any price). I can see why Audio Advisor has so many for sale at the demo price--clearly, people must listen to it out of the box and just feel disappointed by the so-so sound. I stress again that you must let this player break-in for at least TWO weeks--you'll be glad you did. If you have any questions or just want some audiophile chat, feel free to drop me a line.

Price, Build Quality, Sound

None So Far

This is the CD8b 96/24 version. Right out of the box this unit is a performer. Its a little lean but based on experience that will change. Keep in mind you get what you pay for but is this caes its a steal for 199.00. I am not aware of any CD player available with 96/24 capibility for this price. Patricia Barber's vocals shine on this unit. Its buy far the best bang for the buck today.

solid construction, easy to use remote, clean clear sound, digital out, austere but good looking,uncluttered interior design.

lack of power on from the remote, only one pair of analog audio outs (i would have really appreciated two).

First, I wish that AudioReview would do some justice to AMC and provide a separate catagory for this particular player. It is the 8b version, now being promoted by audioadvisor.com and is substantially different from its predessors. Next, it is great player, period. At $200, it is one of the few genuine bargans out there! I purchased mine to hook up to my secondary entertainment system. I replaces my Toshiba SD2108 DVD player, which I was using for both movies and music. I is noticably better. The Toshiba muddies the lower mid range and bass on audio CD's. Also, the Toshiba does not have the high frequency detail of the 8b. Most importantly, the bass PUNCH of the 8b is considerable. After, putting it through the paces with about 40 hours of playing, the 8b has settled into being a perfect compliment to this "downstairs" system. This system consists of a Marantz SR7000 receiver, B&W 602v.2 main speakers, connected with Monster 400vII interlinks and Audioquest's $3.00/ft bi-wirable speaker cable in a 10 by 14 office. If you are looking for an inexpensive solution to replacing an old CD player, or trying to improve on the music coming out of a mass market DVD player, this is your solution. Thank you AMC.

Similar Products Used:

marantz, sony, nackamici, panasonic

Great build quality.
Exquisite sound.
Got for an unbelievable price!

None that I have seen. I guess green power button doesn't match... that's about it!

About 6 months ago I started putting together my "budget audiophile" listening system, for relaxation and late night bliss while the family was asleep (11 year old Sony headphones on my computer's Soundblaster or my Walkman just wasn't cuttin' it anymore, plus I was really curious about the world of the audiophile... could the sound REALLY be that much better than the pedestrian Best Buy components I had?) It has been quite a learning experience, my first foray into truly good sound. So after tons of research and asking advice of people, I started shopping. First I bought a Grado RS-1 headphone and RA-1 amp, then a set of Cardas 300b 0.5m interconnnects. After I recovered financially from that, I started looking for a good single disc cd player... when I saw the ad on this AMC player at audioadvisor, then came here and checked out the reviews... very impressive. Hell, I figured for 50% off ($199) I'd try it out, before I paid the big bucks for an older McIntosh player like I planned. I can say I can't be happier with my choice! I dare anyone to find a better sounding player for this price... even at full list of $400 this would be a serious bargain. 24bit Burr/Brown DAC, Sony transport, 0.0018% THD, and excellent quality of build and materials... adds up to one great player. My first discs I ran through the setup was "Eden" by Sarah Brightman, and my prized possession... Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs Pink Floyd The Wall. Just amazing. I won't toss out stuff like soundstage, presence, etc. In newbie's terms, it just sounds damn good... so detailed and smooth as hell. So much better than the Onkyo and Sony players I had heard before I couldn't believe it. Now that I have my dream headphone listening system built... I am contented.

Similar Products Used:

Couple Onkyo players (older models), a cheapo Sony (my first), and a Toshiba DVD player

Rich, tubelike sound, very nice build, and and display that you can actually see.

None as of yet.

I do not find the unit to be bright at all, smooth as silk, and very listenable. However, all equipment is subjective to cables, amps, preamps, etc. This a very nice piece, regardless of price. Very good remote, and the Sony tray is firm and strong. I would heartily recommend this to anyone looking for a tremendous bang for the buck.

Equip:
Preamp - Marsh P2000
Amps- ATI 1502's biamped
Dynaudio 72 speakers
Alpha Core Speaker cable
Analysis 12 speaker cable
Nordost Super flat line speaker cable
Alpha core interconnects
Kimber PBJ interconnects
Harmonic tech interconnects

Similar Products Used:

et all...