Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Gorgeous build quality with a machined beauty of metal and gloss black reflectivity
- Features a CD slot drive that has been optimized to account for air turbulence and mechanical vibration
- Minimizes jitter and intersample overload with a sophisticated, deep dive design
- Offers CD text recognition display and full color album art as part of its Roon Endpoint feature set
- Fully-balanced signal path from the DA converter to XLR output and optically-isolated USB inputs with its own power supply
Product Considerations
- Some older N31s may need to be returned to the factory for the Roon Ready Input Module upgrade
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The N31 matches some of the very best digital sound experienced from the Bel Canto's full Black system and dCS' Rossini Player
Takeaway: The N31 CD/DAC is beautiful and sounds great. It is a well-engineered processor and a joy to listen to.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
N31
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
Description
MBL's N31 CD-DAC elevates the soundtracks to your life by seamlessly combining a world-class CD transport with a state-of-the-art digital-to-analogue converter – all in a stylish, sculpted chassis.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- The brand crafts Radialstrahler drivers with a unique bending mode design that radiates sound spherically, creating a distinct and immersive listening experience.
- MBL's products boast high-quality construction, with many components, including the drivers themselves, being manufactured in-house in Germany, for long-term reliability.
- MBL sources and amplifiers incorporate innovative analog and digital engineering, such as Linear Analog Switching Amplifier (LASA) technology and sophisticated jitter reduction techniques, to optimize performance across different amplifier classes and digital sources.
Select products
Select product comparisons
MBL 126
- Positioning: The entry-level model in the Radialstrahler lineup, designed for small to medium-sized rooms.
- Description: Offers a compact design with the same Radialstrahler technology found in the flagship models, providing a large soundstage in smaller spaces. Its pyramid-shaped bass cabinet and push-push woofer configuration deliver impressive bass for its size, making it ideal for those with limited space and budget. Compared to larger models like the 101 E MkII, it's more affordable and space-efficient, while still offering the signature MBL sound.
MBL 111 F
- Positioning: Positioned as a high-performance model in the Radialstrahler lineup, ideal for larger rooms.
- Description: Combines Radialstrahler technology with a robust bass reflex system, delivering a powerful and immersive sound experience. Its push-push woofer configuration ensures tight bass control. Compared to the 120, the 111 F offers greater bass depth and room-filling capabilities.
MBL 116 F
- Positioning: A premium model in the Radialstrahler series, designed for audiophiles seeking high-end performance.
- Description: Features a sophisticated 4-way design with Radialstrahler drivers, providing exceptional clarity and soundstage. Its push-push woofer arrangement minimizes cabinet vibrations, offering precise bass reproduction. Compared to the 111 F, the 116 F offers enhanced midrange and treble performance.
MBL 101 E MkII
- Positioning: A flagship model in the Radialstrahler lineup, known for its iconic design and performance.
- Description: Uses advanced Radialstrahler technology to deliver a 360-degree sound experience, with a powerful subwoofer for deep bass. Its design allows for seamless integration into large spaces, providing concert-level sound. Compared to the 116 F, the 101 E MkII offers superior bass extension and overall soundstage.
MBL 101 X-treme MkII
- Positioning: The ultimate flagship model, representing the pinnacle of MBL's loudspeaker technology.
- Description: Features a four-tower system with Radialstrahler drivers and massive subwoofers, delivering groundbreaking sound quality and presence. Its design is suited for the most discerning audiophiles with large spaces and no budget constraints. Compared to the 101 E MkII, the X-treme MkII offers even greater soundstage and bass capabilities.
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Avg. Product Price
$10,001-$20,000
Used For Sale
27
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
137
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
22
Founding Year
1979
Our take on the brand
MBL is a German hifi brand known for its unique Radialstrahler technology, which uses petal-like drivers that emit sound in an omnidirectional 360-degree pattern, eliminating the typical "sweet spot" found in conventional speakers. Their speakers are designed to fill rooms with concert hall-like sound through both direct and reflected waves, creating a more natural and immersive listening experience throughout the entire space.
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Our interview with the brand
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What if you spend more?
Metronome
AQWO 2
22000
22000
/
6
Reviews
Métronome give more to Audiphiles with AQWO 2 : the famous Métronome analogue sound with your CDs and SACDs, a highend converter and now a network player. Its new 7-inch 21:9 screen allows for easy monitoring of the current reading at a comfortable distance. Like many other Métronome devices, AQWO 2 can be provided with a analog tube output, installed at the factory or later by your technician. As a converter AQWO 2+ manages both PCM and DSD formats up to 512 (x8). Robust and massive, AQWO 2 is available in Silver or Black finishes.
Métronome is a hifi brand that lets users choose between tube or transistor output modes in their DACs, and offers dual conversion lines (ESS and AKM) in their flagship c|AQWO 2 model. Their products support high-resolution formats including PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD512, while their transports uniquely allow up-sampling and down-sampling during playback.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Combines CD/SACD player, DAC, and streaming client into one unit offering versatility for digital content
- Excellent build quality, featuring a solid, elegant design and high-quality materials, such as the smooth sliding CD top plate
- Has a large, clear, and intuitive touchscreen interface for easy control and access to settings
- Delivers excellent sound quality with detail, dynamics, and a touch of warmth, making music enjoyable
- Offers a modified SACD D&M transport mechanism ensuring high-quality playback
Product Considerations
- The included remote control might not match the luxurious feel of the rest of the unit
- The Delrin puck is small and could be easily lost
- Streaming updates via firmware, and the DAC cannot be upgraded
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The AQWO 2 offers SACD functionality and streaming, while the MBL is limited to CD playback
Takeaway: The Metronome AQWO 2 is a beautifully made, versatile digital source that combines multiple functions into one high-performing unit, offering flexibility and excellent sound for audiophiles who want the best from CDs, SACDs, and streaming. It is a great choice to enjoy a wide range of digital music at a very high level.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Métronome is a hifi brand that lets users choose between tube or transistor output modes in their DACs, and offers dual conversion lines (ESS and AKM) in their flagship c|AQWO 2 model. Their products support high-resolution formats including PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD512, while their transports uniquely allow up-sampling and down-sampling during playback.
Product Page
Product Page
Accuphase
DP-770
26575
26575
/
2
Reviews
The high-rigidity, high-precision drive traverse mechanism equipped with an outer rotor brushless DC motor drive rotates discs smoothly and delivers accurate data reading, while the 8MDSD (DSD signal) / 8MDS++ (PCM signal) type D/A converter driving the ES9028 PRO (ESS Technologies) processor in 8 parallel channels converts the inputs into highly precise analog signals. The DP-770 also incorporates numerous noise suppression technologies like ANCC* to create an unparalleled musical experience.
Accuphase is a highly respected Japanese amplifier brand, renowned for its ability to deliver lifelike sound reproduction. Their amplifiers are known for their exceptional phase coherence, which creates an engaging, natural listening experience that appeals to musicians and audiophiles alike.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptionally well-made and accurately constructed
- Versatile player that professionally handles all types of media and files
- Excellent resolution and dynamics
- Super-quiet background with zero electric hash
- Bass performance is well-controlled, firm, and finely articulated
Product Considerations
- New buttons have a low stroke, and it is hard to feel when they are pushed
- Front panel print looks a bit like a cheap screen print with too much paint used
- Sensitive to power cables
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The DP-770's bass is better controlled, firmer, and more finely articulated; it moves the soundstage a bit further behind the speakers, creating a deeper soundstage, while the Accuphase DP-720 presents vocals more upfront
- The DP-770 provides punchier transients, grippier and tighter kicks, better textures, and lower noise
Takeaway: The DP-770 is a digital player masterpiece that provides better sound from CDs and SACDs. It is resolving, dynamic, differentiating, and versatile in playing all types of media and files.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Accuphase is a highly respected Japanese amplifier brand, renowned for its ability to deliver lifelike sound reproduction. Their amplifiers are known for their exceptional phase coherence, which creates an engaging, natural listening experience that appeals to musicians and audiophiles alike.
Product Page
Product Page
dCS
Rossini Apex CD/SACD Transport
26500
26500
/
1
Reviews
dCS Audio is distinguished by its proprietary Ring DAC technology, which uses a custom mapping algorithm to reduce distortion, and its dCS Expanse headphone processing platform that enhances spatial sound. The brand's products, particularly the Bartók Streaming DAC, are favored by professional recordists and mastering engineers, while their Vivaldi and Rossini APEX systems have earned recognition for setting new standards in digital playback.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- The dCS Rossini Transport can handle both SACD and CD silver discs
- The Rossini DAC doubles as a network audio machine, with the ability to play from local storage and online streaming services
- The Rossini DAC can be used as a preamplifier, connected directly to a power amp or active loudspeakers
- The Rossini DAC is compatible with Spotify Connect, Deezer, Tidal, and is Roon-ready
Product Considerations
- The Rossini Transport is a purely digital device, with no onboard DACs
- The Rossini Transport relies on the DAC for its upsampling capabilities
- The various pictograms on both units take some familiarization
- When using the Rossini Transport with the DAC to play SACDs, the transmission is carried in an encrypted DSD format
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Rossini Player is a one-box CD-only player, while the Rossini Transport/DAC v2 is a two-box CD/SACD-playing package
Takeaway: The dCS Rossini (Transport and DAC) offers flexibility with disc playback and network audio capabilities. It is a high-end system that provides a range of features for those invested in both physical media and digital audio sources.
Video review
Our take on the brand
dCS Audio is distinguished by its proprietary Ring DAC technology, which uses a custom mapping algorithm to reduce distortion, and its dCS Expanse headphone processing platform that enhances spatial sound. The brand's products, particularly the Bartók Streaming DAC, are favored by professional recordists and mastering engineers, while their Vivaldi and Rossini APEX systems have earned recognition for setting new standards in digital playback.
Product Page
Product Page
TAD
TAD-D1000TX
20990
20990
/
1
Reviews
Listening to recordings exactly as the artists intended. Made possible by an improved and refined design inside and out.
Technical Audio Devices is a hifi Japanese spinoff of Pioneer that focuses on highly accurate speakers, which reviewers widely regard as best-in-class. They're known for their unique vapor deposition technique for beryllium diaphragms, which provides superior strength and smooth performance up to 100 kHz. Their proprietary technologies include CST (Coherent Source Transducer) for controlled directivity from a single point.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Precise, clean, and articulate sound
- Excellent as a digital preamp
- Superb build and finish
- Connectivity options
Product Considerations
- Some may find the presentation a little too cultured
- Rhythmic drive doesn't quite capture the energy of the music, sacrificing some fun in the process
- Prefers to err on the side of politeness, which can be a loss on more aggressive forms of music
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Chord DAVE: Chord DAVE captures more of the verve and drive of the track
Takeaway: The TAD DA1000TX is a capable and beautifully engineered unit, providing precise and clean audio. It's a great choice if sophistication and refinement are valued in a listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Technical Audio Devices is a hifi Japanese spinoff of Pioneer that focuses on highly accurate speakers, which reviewers widely regard as best-in-class. They're known for their unique vapor deposition technique for beryllium diaphragms, which provides superior strength and smooth performance up to 100 kHz. Their proprietary technologies include CST (Coherent Source Transducer) for controlled directivity from a single point.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
Metronome
Le Player 4+
10800
/
Released
2022
The Player 4+ is the affordable premium DAC and CD player for all audiophiles, characterized by fabulous sound reproduction. The converter part is accessible through the USB or S / P DIF input and decodes all audio file formats up to DSD 512.
Métronome is a hifi brand that lets users choose between tube or transistor output modes in their DACs, and offers dual conversion lines (ESS and AKM) in their flagship c|AQWO 2 model. Their products support high-resolution formats including PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD512, while their transports uniquely allow up-sampling and down-sampling during playback.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality
- Superb sound in a single box
- Recreates music effortlessly and naturally with reference-level clarity, coherence, and transparency
- Offers a digital streaming option
- Commendable connectivity
Product Considerations
- The streaming app functionality was found to be sub-optimal, specifically the mconnect player
- The remote control doesn't match the same quality as the unit itself
- If the existing system is lean/analytical, the Metronome might not be the first choice
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Performance is a little more on the lively side of neutral, but still very well composed, and not so far from the Gryphon's performance
Takeaway: The Le Player 4+ offers superb sound and build quality with the added bonus of a digital streaming option, which is great for audiophiles still interested in CD collections. It functions as a complete digital hub, negating the need to purchase separate components.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Métronome is a hifi brand that lets users choose between tube or transistor output modes in their DACs, and offers dual conversion lines (ESS and AKM) in their flagship c|AQWO 2 model. Their products support high-resolution formats including PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD512, while their transports uniquely allow up-sampling and down-sampling during playback.
Product Page
Product Page
Accuphase
DP-570
13975
/
Released
2021
Equipped with quiet and smooth disc loading, the high rigidity and low center of gravity of the SA-CD/CD drive vastly improves readability, while the MDS+ type D/A converter with four parallel circuits accurately reads disc information and converts analog signals. It also supports a digital connection with a voicing equalizer and provides a programmable playlist feature that lets you enjoy listening in the order you prefer.
Accuphase is a highly respected Japanese amplifier brand, renowned for its ability to deliver lifelike sound reproduction. Their amplifiers are known for their exceptional phase coherence, which creates an engaging, natural listening experience that appeals to musicians and audiophiles alike.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Plays CDs and SACDs
- Lower noise floor than the DP450, resulting in a darker sound
- Bass notes are richer sounding compared to the DP450
- More soundstage in terms of width and height compared to the DP450
- More three-dimensionality in sound compared to the DP450, with better placement of instruments
- More texture and detail to the sound
Product Considerations
- Not the cheapest option for a CD/SACD player
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs DP450: DP-570 has a lot lower noise floor, so it was quite a lot darker sounding, and also the bass notes were particularly richer sounding
- Vs DP450: DP-570 has more detail, better positioning of elements, and sound stages
- Vs DP450: DP-570 offers a wider soundstage
Takeaway: The DP-570 is a great CD/SACD player if you are looking for richer sound and detail. It offers great improvements in soundstage and dimensionality compared to other models.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Accuphase is a highly respected Japanese amplifier brand, renowned for its ability to deliver lifelike sound reproduction. Their amplifiers are known for their exceptional phase coherence, which creates an engaging, natural listening experience that appeals to musicians and audiophiles alike.
Product Page
Product Page
T+A
MP 2500 R G3
14990
/
Released
2024
The MP 2500 R G3 stands as one of the most meticulously crafted multi-source players ever conceived by T+A. While it shares its conceptual and technological lineage with the MP 2000 R, this device elevates the experience of high-resolution audio to new heights. Replacing the CD drive with a high-end SACD mechanism, the MP 2500 R G3 offers an even more refined rendition of this timeless medium. Coupled with an array of external SP-DIF devices, a high-performance tuner featuring FM/FM-HD, DAB+, and Internet radio, alongside the latest streaming services and connect functionalities like Apple AirPlay 2, the MP 2500 R G3 becomes the heart of any music system—a centrepiece whose prowess is matched only by its understated elegance.
T+A is a hifi brand that combines transistor and valve technologies in their HV-Series amplifiers, using high voltage for linear performance, while their A 200 Power Amplifier uses PURIFI Eigentakt technology for low distortion regardless of speaker load.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Equipped with the same SACD drive as T+A's high-end SACD player, the MP 3100 HV
- Developed to reproduce high-resolution audio files without any trace of compromise
- Equipped with both symmetrical (XLR) and asymmetrical (RCA) analogue outputs, it features a jitter-free digital output
- As a source controller, it is equipped for pretty much every contingency
- The built-in digital tuner offers FM, FM-HD, and DAB+ capabilities
Product Considerations
- The Music Navigator app refused to acknowledge the presence of the MP 2500 R, a message appearing that the app was only compatible with T+A's Cala CDR/SR and MP8 network devices
- There was no sign of the player on the Roon network, so clearly this will come in a future update
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs MP 3100 HV: The MP 2500 R comes equipped with the same SACD drive as T+A's high-end SACD player—the MP 3100 HV
Takeaway: The MP 2500 R is a versatile multi-source player that can play SACDs, stream music, and tune into radio. It has high-resolution audio capabilities and offers many connectivity options, making it a convenient addition to any hifi system
Video review
Our take on the brand
T+A is a hifi brand that combines transistor and valve technologies in their HV-Series amplifiers, using high voltage for linear performance, while their A 200 Power Amplifier uses PURIFI Eigentakt technology for low distortion regardless of speaker load.
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ESOTERIC
K-05XD
12000
/
Released
2023
Uncompromising quality refined with flagship technology. Beautiful styling. High-quality sound worthy of the term "high-end".
Esoteric is a Japanese hifi brand that manufactures CD and SACD players with their unique VRDS technology, which provides superior stability in disc playback through a rigid disc-clamping system. Their products are built in Tokyo with proprietary technologies like the Master Sound Discrete DAC, and their Grandioso series is considered among the world's best for sonic capabilities.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Impressively pristine sonic presentation with exceptional clarity and detail resolution
- Solid aluminum block construction, crafted with precision
- The VRDS-ATLAS 05 drive ensures undisturbed readout and smooth rotation of discs
- Exceptionally open, transparent sound
Product Considerations
- Price puts it beyond the means of most
- The floating top plate can be disconcerting upon unpacking
Takeaway: The Esoteric K-05XD is a beautifully built and high-performing SACD/CD player that plays back music with integrity. It is filled with top-notch electronics and mechanics to portray the emotional facets of music in all its nuances.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Esoteric is a Japanese hifi brand that manufactures CD and SACD players with their unique VRDS technology, which provides superior stability in disc playback through a rigid disc-clamping system. Their products are built in Tokyo with proprietary technologies like the Master Sound Discrete DAC, and their Grandioso series is considered among the world's best for sonic capabilities.
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Product Page
Metronome
Le Player 4
10800
/
Released
2022
Le Player 4 is the high-end "top-loading" CD Transport that all audiophiles were waiting for, with its classic design and high-end sound reproduction. Without an integrated DAC, Le Player 4 reads and upsamples your CDs up to DSD 128, for optimal listening pleasure.
Métronome is a hifi brand that lets users choose between tube or transistor output modes in their DACs, and offers dual conversion lines (ESS and AKM) in their flagship c|AQWO 2 model. Their products support high-resolution formats including PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD512, while their transports uniquely allow up-sampling and down-sampling during playback.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The CD transport on Le Player is considered a pleasure to use, with a satisfying mechanism and tactile experience when loading CDs
- Le Player and Le DAC have a clean, detailed, and dynamic sound signature
- Le Player's top-panel capacitive-touch controls are elegant and avoid fingerprints
- Metronome products are known for impeccable build quality
- Le Player offers both CD playing and streaming capabilities, providing versatility
Product Considerations
- The remote included with Le Player is functional but not as appealing as the electronics themselves
- Le Player was not Roon Ready at the time of the reviews
- The CD player functionality on Le Player 4+ was considered a bit sparse
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Lampizator Big 7 with Stack Audio streamer—the Lampizator has a more 'pleasing' sound, while the Metronome is considered less colored and more hifi
- Le Player 4+ is considered to have a closer allegiance to the Denafrips Terminator +, characterized by density and minor warmth
Takeaway: Metronome Le Player and Le DAC offer a blend of detailed and dynamic sound with high-end build quality. With both CD playing and streaming capabilities (on some models), it provides a versatile option for enjoying both physical and digital music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Métronome is a hifi brand that lets users choose between tube or transistor output modes in their DACs, and offers dual conversion lines (ESS and AKM) in their flagship c|AQWO 2 model. Their products support high-resolution formats including PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD512, while their transports uniquely allow up-sampling and down-sampling during playback.
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