Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I have done A LOT of testing different audioequipment lately. Allthough it isn't allways easy to describe and compare, Copland clearly stood out as the one that has it all. It has musically,detail, deep bass, extremely good rythm and attack, and atreble that is both precise, detailed and natural. The soundstage is very open and 3-dimensional.
The character is natural and neutral. If any coloration it is to the warmer side.
I have heard nothing that compares under 4000 Euros/dollars. I strongly advise you to lend it your ears.

Strengths:
The sound!

Weaknesses:
If you are looking for excesses in functions forget it. It doesn't even have random play. The size may not fit all shelves.

Price Paid:  $2300.00

Summary:
One of the best cd-players in the world, a build quality that is best I ever seen. A sound that is crystal clear with a deep bass. This player can't be described you've got to hear it. A living legend.

Strengths:
Extremly detailed sound, deep bass. Superb build quality.

Weaknesses:
Nothing.

Summary:
Yeah it does alot of things right, but it kind of falls down as a complete package. Listening to simple Jazz, Easy Listening, Blues, Rock and some Classical on it I thought hey, not bad, but after extended listening to it I found that it didn't always sound the way live music sounds and there are always electronoc artifacts present. If you looking to purchase this unit, don't let this review shove you away, on the contrary this is a must listen. Listen to the Linn Ikemi before you buy this one.

Strengths:
the copland 289 is best ar Small Classical Ensembles and Jazz, exteneded at both frequency extremes

Weaknesses:
Though it is transparent, images well, has rhythm and drive in spades, IT STILL SOUNDS LIKE ELECTRONICS OVER EXTENDED LISTENING , it just doesn't sound as musical or 'right' as it should

Similar Products Used:
Audiomeca Mephisto Transport w/ C-J Premier 9 DAC,
YBA 3 CD, YBA Integre CD

Summary:
No point in beating around the bush........this CD player is very good at playing "music"......it simply disappears as a piece of hifi and just makes your albums sound involving, fun, foot-tappingly (sp??) good!! Yes, it is sensitive to mains quality/mains leads; yes, it sensitive to interconnects; yes, it is sensitive to it's support.......these factors change the presentation but the strong qualities of then player keep comming through. Since this player was purchased I have spend £500 on integrating it into the rest of my system (cables, support, etc), but now all I do is buy albums.......and never does the thought of upgrading pass through my mind. A rare case of satisfaction...I'm sure you will agree!!

Strengths:
Effortless sound, very musical, great sense of rhythm without losing the spatial information.....just simply sounds "right"

Weaknesses:
bit on the large size...for UK tastes. Otherwise none

Similar Products Used:
BAT, Electocompaniet, Sony SACD, Densen, Naim, Krell

Summary:
I have just upgraded a Marantz CD63 Mk11 Ki Sig to the Copland 289; a big jump you might say, and I would agree, as would my bank balance which is now nigh on £2,000 lighter. Was it worth it?....this is the most amazing CD player I have ever heard. The sound is reminiscent of vinyl being rich and open with a wide soundstage and spectacular sonics...when that moment of calm within a piece of music bursts into a moment of tremendous energy you will be transfixed to your seat and those little hairs on your back will tingle and tingle some more. I have not upgraded my amplification which comprises a Cyrus 3i ( operating as a pre amp ), a Cyrus Power amp and the PSX-R intelligent power supply. I did experiment with 3 interconnects. The Transparent Musiclink gave good bass weight but seemed to compress the sound stage and some of the finer detail was lost. Soniclink Blue gave good bass authority and picked out the finer detail very well - almost went for that cable. Then tried the Soniclink Vermilion cable ( made of titanium )and wow! if you want the best from the Copland invest in a high end interconnect....the soundstage was wide, music was airy and natural with the fine detail excellent and although the bass weight was a little lighter it was more natural. So, experiment with some cables as well; you will be amazed at the difference each of them makes. If you have the money give yourself an aural treat and invest in the 289.

Strengths:
Beautiful open and natural sound with a richness of sound reminiscent of vinyl

Weaknesses:
Absolutely none