This CD player is very disappointing. The media hype surrounding it is really ridiculous. The benefits over my Marantz CD52 MKII budget player, which I use on a second system is identical except for the soundstage, which is greater on the KI Signature. In no way does this justify the £150-200 price difference, as I feel that my CD player is a bit of a let down. Products such as the Arcam Alpha 8 or Cambride Audio Dac/transport really are better, they do not sound warm or coloured as the marantz does. At the price, this Marantz really is just selling on reviews (which may have been bribed?) and the Ken Ishiwata Signature badge. Not a sign of quality, but reverting bcak to the flashing lights and pretty badges of mini-systems.

This is the best CD player ever made at this price range . Higher priced players should be compared to the 63KIS. The Sony DVD 7XX for example sounds thin and aggresive compared to the K.I.S.
I don't believe that it is worth spending a penny more for something more exotic.
High-End is for the fat and rich people who want to impress their friends and enemies .
Magazines should stop advertising expensive gear. Playboy magazine is more interesting to look at.

I got one of these for about $600 last summer, with a PM66KI amp and KEF Q35 speakers the sound is divine - I like a very clean almost monitor-like sound which it gives. My plan is to trade up to Audiolab (TAG Mclaren) stuff which gives an even more transparent sound but for loads more money. The only problem I had is that due to an out of tolerance component I had a problem with skipping on about 80 of my 300 odd discs, now fixed, but they were going for high end sound on a mid range price and I think they've done pretty well.

ultimate junk

Great quality and sound for the money.

(I got this machine for about $400. )OK, not the most detailed player around, but enormously engaging and fun, fun, fun.
I use it with a Marantz PM-16 amplifier, B&W P6s and the AudioTruth Lapis. (see my reviews) Great combo thanks to this fine CD-player.

Fantastic, reproduction of sound. It excells with classical music, and jazz.

Crisp uncoloured tone, build quility, Price.

Not that much different than my CD52 MK11

I always wanted one but it was a little out of my price range....untill recently. I really enjoyed the CD52 MK11 which I still have (thats about 8 years I think). I have a Nad AV 716 prologic Amp and some Aura speaker (great speakers by the way, when I to audition a new amp £800 + I took them with me. The dealer said thought they were great for £200 he said nothing could touch them at that price) sorry I went off track for a min.
It sounds great, nice and detailed, great sound stage, good bass weight.
I found the 63 a good match for my budget equipment and when i tried it with the £800 + British amp it really sang.

Similar Products Used:

CD52 MK11, Musical Fidelity E624.

This is a wonderfull product. Sounds great, detailed and extremely musical. Compared to other sources I have listened to, both CD and LP's, it is always a pleasure to again listen to 63 KI. Had mine now for two years and use it with a Audiolab 8000S, 8000P and B&W CDM 7 ( not SE )speakers.

I had this CD player for about 3 years. You need to partner it with a fast sounding amp, cause it's a very mellow, warm sounding cd player. I used it with rotel 970 and was pretty good, but i found it lacking with up beat rock/pop.I recently changed to a Sony xb920-e which is faster and clearer, but not as warm, which some may not like.
Try it with your amp and speakers, and get neutral cable.
Regards Danny.