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Buying expensive used CD player/transp = bad idea?

Hello Everyone,

I wonder what is your say(from your experience) about
buying a second hand "hi end" cd player or transport.
As far as I know the optical block(laser) in even the best cd transports(like Philips Pro)are good for 5000-6000 playing hours and after that must be replaced.
Purchasing 4-5 years old Hi End CD player which may have accumulated nearly 80-90% of above stated figure seems to me as an absurd.
Of course,laser block can be replaced,but is it always available??(might be discontinued)
and what the cost is? + the hassle of the whole procedure.
Going for more affordable(brand new) cd transport and spending the big money for top class DAC seems to be a better idea.
Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Thank you.
kdbg00

Showing 1 response by elevick

elevick
2,638 posts
 
Since you are getting the DAC, try it with a mid range dvd player or similar first. Don't buy a big chunky older unit unless you can hear the difference. A 5 year old unit through your DAC may sound no better than a small newer unit through the same DAC.

On another note, I have a Partsconnexion modded Music Hall that will crush anything under $2000. Consider buying a modded unit from them or underwood and skip the DAC?
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