Best sounding and reliable CD changer?

I changed out a tubed shanling cd/sacd player that I absolutely loved for a McIntosh MCD-205 about 18 months ago due to the convienience factor.

The 205 uses the Nak Music Bank changer which seems to be more reliable than carousel changers. McIntosh still stocks replacement parts for these and they are still serviceable.

Sound quality is excellent. I've also connected it to 2 External DACs and found I prefer the sound of the 205s DAC, so you may not need to purchase another box at additional cost, making the Mc a little more reasonable in price. Worth a look if your budget allows.

Anthen CD-1. Built like a tank with a Sony transport.

Take a look around for a used Adcon GCD-700, wonderful sounding and appears to be built well. The carousel can be a little noisy when rotating though.

The Onkyo C390 is also a good suggestion and of course the equivalent Integra model.

Bill

not sure there are many (any) being made any longer so PARTS may be an issue for any of these machines should you need service.

the HIGHEST END unit I ever saw was the Nakamichi Dragon changer ... BEAUTIFUL but doubt they are supported any longer and you may end up with an expensive boat anchor

I run three Sony 355 units, each with 300 discs. They are chained together. All have optical output. All were purchased as refub's directly from Sony. Running them for almost four years now and no problems. I also have a Sony 595, five disc unit, which I use for SACD's. That also has been highly reliable, going on seven years now. The sound? Almost as good as my Sony 777, which I use in my main system. The changers are used in my office system. Even given I am an IT professional, it never made any sense to me to put my media on a computer, too time consuming, not a meaningful difference in sound quality. I do rip music to my mobile player.

I still have a Harmon Kardon HK8350 and a Marantz VC5200, which is a DVD/CD changer. The HK is CD only. Both are 5-disc changers.

Both of these are very nice and sound amazing good, but even better through an outboard DAC.

Excellent build quality and have lasted a very long time.

I had a Marantz 5 disc changer that I gave to a friend years ago that's still working, as is the one I gave to my son then as well. Reason I gave it away is that I got a music server, which fills the same purpose and is more convenient to use. I think that, or a similar computer audio piece, would be the better way to go, as Peter suggested above.

It's the Onkyo DX-C390

With a DAC try the Onkyo DX390. I have read the Integra equivalent is better but haven't heard it. My Onkyo's been running for years...

The only good ones I ever heard were from Rotel and Marantz. I dont think they make it any more...either company.That was probably 5 years ago. My wife has the same pov for when she listens to music so I looked awhile back instead of a single player and couldnt find anything. In fact, if you do find something please post it here:-) I still have an old TEAC I got from COSTCo which is just ok. I keep it in line so she can use it. One of the reasons I am looking for better network player as she also likes Spotify, playing off her Ipad, etc. Good to keep her happy so I can buy more stuff.

Why hot just load your CDs into a iMac, use iTunes combined with Audionirvana Plus, into a outboard DAC, it does not get more convenient than that, and a heck of a lot better sounding that any CD changer.

Good Listening

Peter

I believe Elizabeth currently runs about five changers.
There is nothing like an experienced woman!

This may be too budget for you but from direct experience I can vouch for this Sony player.

Sony SCD-CE595 5-Disc CD/Super Audio CD Player

I used this CD/SACD player to break-in all sorts of cables and equipment. I would put in 5 different break-in or test CDs and have it play for days/weeks on end. It never had any problems.

When I wasn't using it as a break-in tool and just listened to music is was very nice. No harsh treble and a bit laid back overall.

I've read the Adcom multi-disc changers from yesteryear were also very good. I don't know of any current multi-disc changers though.