General Asylum: REVIEW: Canary Audio CD-200 CD Player/Recorder by Constrained 1

Model:	CD-200
Category:	CD Player/Recorder
Suggested Retail Price:	$3,500.00
Description:	Balanced, tube output CD Player
Manufacturer URL:	Canary Audio

Review by Constrained 1 on August 31, 2007 at 00:39:32
IP Address: 75.72.75.213 Add Your Review
for the CD-200

I am not one to post a review about equipment on any online formats, but I felt that other audiophiles should know about the Canary Audio CD-200 CD player. If you are fortunate enough to have read the review on www.6moons.com about the CD-100, you already have "one up" on anyone else reading this attempt at a review. If you have not, please, go to this website and read the review. It will help to establish a baseline for what I am about to write (say).
I recently purchased a CD-200 to replace my Audio Aero Prima CD player which an unforseen brown-out completely wiped out. I was heartbroken, because I loved this player that I had extensively modified. I did not want to have to redo all that I had done to the Prima, so I was looking for another high-quality tubed unit. I had grown accustomed to the presentation from the Audio Aero player, but couldn't afford the Audio Aero Capitole or Prestige on my budget.

I took it upon myself to Google tubed cd players, and the link to 6moons.com's review for the CD-100 came up in the search. I read the review several times, then searched Audiogon for a used player. In my inquiries, I found that this unit has been supplanted by a newer, better sounding unit - the CD-200. I contacted John Laurel at Canary Audio about the new CD-200 player, and he assured me that I "would not be disappointed" by the performance of this newer unit over the CD-100 (which is a superb player). I ordered a unit and quickly found out what an understatement John had made! This player has it all in spades: the direct track access that the CD-100 did not have is on the new remote, it has even better parts quality, and the circuit has been tuned and streamlined. This thing is big and heavy too - 19" wide x 5-1/2" high by 16" deep, weighing over 40 pounds. It's built like a proverbial tank!

Right out of the box I was actually shocked by its musical performance. My appreciation for the minor details you really never get to hear in digital (CD based) music were brought out by this player. Further listening (and burn-in) has only reinforced this perception. I don't mean over-exaggerated sounding highs with a forward, syrupy midrange and wooly, tubby bass. This unit is the real deal! It has sweet, clear, and accurate highs, a midrange that rivals any player that I know of, and bass that will literally knock your socks off (without being tubby)! I know because I own an ACI Titan LE subwoofer that is tuned to my listening space.

I actually work in the audio industry and normally do not side with manufacturers because it can prove to be career suicide. Also, I am not endorsing this CD player for any reason other than its own merits. I actually could own any one of two of the very best CD playback systems out there for industry accommodation. I give the CD-200 two thumbs up, because for $3,500, I challenge you to find any unit that competes with it on every level. Some may in one or two areas, but this player is the "real deal" from top to bottom. Stop the upgrading bug now with the CD-200 and just bask in the music you will hear from your CD's.

Product Weakness:	No programming on remote control.
Product Strengths:	Musicality, Dynamics, Bass, Midrange and Treble purity, build quality, Pricing

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Audio Research Classic 60 (modified)
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Antique Sound Labs Autoformer Passive
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Canary Audio CD-200
Speakers: Meadowlark Ospreys, ACI Titan LE
Cables/Interconnects: Anti-Cables by Paul Speltz
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Pop, Rock, Classical, Christian
Room Size (LxWxH): 18'6" x 12'6" x 8'
Room Comments/Treatments: 6" x 2' x 2' Pyramidal Foam
Time Period/Length of Audition: 4 weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): PS Audio Duet
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Audio Research Classic 60 (modified)
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Antique Sound Labs Autoformer Passive
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Canary Audio CD-200
Speakers:	Meadowlark Ospreys, ACI Titan LE
Cables/Interconnects:	Anti-Cables by Paul Speltz
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Pop, Rock, Classical, Christian
Room Size (LxWxH):	18'6" x 12'6" x 8'
Room Comments/Treatments:	6" x 2' x 2' Pyramidal Foam
Time Period/Length of Audition:	4 weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	PS Audio Duet
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner