Best Basic CD Player (no SACD, USB, etc.)

I concur with the idea of a transport + DAC vs a stand alone CDP. The DAC inside of a CDP will eventually become outdated IMO. As long as a transport is working then it can be matted with an unlimited amount of DAC's through the years, so why pay for something you may outgrow, or not use with a CDP with built in DAC. Just doesn't make sense to me. The downside of this course of action is obsessing for ever and a day on which DAC to use. This method does provide far more flexibility in the future too, should you need it.

But to respond to cd players only, as requested, you might consider used Arcams which hasn't been mentioned, used Oppo's, and Emotiva makes a great CDP the ERC-4 but you could probably find some used ERC-3's too, Audio Lab makes great products as well for sensible prices.

Many, many years ago, I purchased a Carver sdl/410t.

Other than at times wishing for more cds at once, I have never heard any other player that would make me want to change..

SACD isn’t really necessary.. just put files on the NAS and play..  same with ripped cds.. only ever use the cd player for anything I don’t have ripped and internet is down..

But not really playing discs much any longer anyway with tidal, qobuzz and hidef up to 512dsd files available for purchase and a decent dac/streamer.

I second the recommendation for the Bryston CD-3.  Absolutely best player I have ever owned.  Yes, a bit pricey but if you love to listen to CDs don't skimp.  Streaming has eclipsed my CD playing significantly so the CD-3 gets little use nowadays but I enjoy the Bryston unit when I engage in a CD listening session.

@ecpninja     

As the US distributor of YBA, a point of clarification:

All YBA CDPlayers/Transports use the standard "RedBook" laser - i.e. Philips CDPro2, CDM4, etc

On most models a "Blue LED" is mounted to bathe the data side of the CD and enable the red laser to read the pits more accurately.

Hope that helps...

Jim Ricketts/tmhaudio

Fellow  old dude with 3k Cds. I have 3 players running in different systems. Marantz ND8006 CDP with streaming fx about $900 from Audio Advisor 3 years ago. Been great, good sound, dac can be used outboard with pc and streaming fxlity. Second, Sony ES 5400 SACD about 10 years old plays great never any issues. 3rd, Marantz 8005 is probably the best but no longer made. Can be found used and I would recommend highly. Good build quality and sound. Previously had NAD, Rotel and Cambridge Audio. Rotel sounded good but that was about 12 years ago and it had transport issues. CA had good sound but also had transport issues after 3 years...fixed 2x then gave up. Buddy has a Rega Apollo and I would get one of those too but it is a little bit more money than the others. Hope this helps. BTW, if you have an external dac then just go with a transport.