|
Review 2 of 3
Price Paid:
$1500.00
from used on Audiogon Summary:
This is actually a 2007 Mk2 model with the latest look with the centered CD tray and controls in a cross pattern on either side of the drawer.
For $2500 retail this french player feels flimsy. The top rings like a bell. It's so light that pushing the buttons on the face can cause the player to slide. The SONY drawer mechanism is flimsy and so noisy going in an out. Build quality doesn't come close to my previous incredible SONY SCD-777ES. If the SONY is like a Mercedes then the Prima is like a Ford Escape in terms of build quality.
BUT, and this is a HUGE BUT, the Prima is amazingly beautiful and musical in it's playing of CDs. The Prima is like an amazing oil painting by Rembrandt compared to the SONY's color photograph. Something about the Prima just draws me right into the music. Where the SONY was detailed and analytical the Prima is realistic and musical. You may be dissapointed when you first take it out of the box, but give it a chance.
This is the first time my CD playback has come this close to the enjoyment I get from vinyl. Strengths:
Natural, colorful, excellent pace and timing, tight bass and sparkling highs, gorgeous midrange, never fatiguing but oodles of detail. Makes even poorly recorded CDs involving!!!!
I'm only awarding 4 stars since 5 stars is reserved for the ultimate - like the Audiomecca Mephisto, Meridian 808, or Audio Aero Capitale and others in the stratosphere of musical performance. Weaknesses:
Flimsy plastic remote, noisy CD drawer, feels flimsy! Similar Products Used:
SONY SCD-777ES
Simaudio Apollo
Classe CDP-1
Cairn FOG
SONY SCD-333ES modified by Audiomod
SONY SCD-333ES modified by Dan Wright
Pioneer PD-65 transport to a CAL Alpha DAC
| 
5 of 5
4 of 5
