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Considering getting a CD player (again). Used? New? Criteria?

After years without one, I'm considering getting a CD player. I'm not against streaming, but I have many CD's and would like the simplicity of just playing them from time to time. I probably want to cap my expenditure at $700, or so, because this won't be the only way I play music.

A few questions:
If you've purchased a new CD player, what did you buy? Why?
If you've purchased a used player, how old is too old? What factors helped you choose?

My concern with used is that the transport mechanism of older players will be getting tired, and this won't be knowable just because a unit "checks out" with the site (or individual) testifying to the player's working condition. There's got to be an average point for many machines to give up the ghost, mechanically (varying from machine to machine, of course).
128x128hilde45
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hilde45 OP
4,974 posts
 
@Roadsterluver I will rip my CD's too. Not an either or.
@larry I'm not ruling out streaming or internet (as I said over and over in this thread). CD's may be a thing from the past, but I own them and the idea of putting one on is appealing. You might still own a physical book. They're pretty old, too. They have their own rituals and haptics, which I also like.
jl35
3,980 posts
 
CD and LP are not a thing from the past, they are both wonderful formats.  Streaming can be fun too. No reason to limit yourself, especially if you already own CD's and so many can be found so cheaply now...somehow hate having to open a menu on my phone to listen to music, though I do quite like Tidal...get yourself a nice player and enjoy !!!
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rluciano
10 posts
 
I would never buy anything Linn again, certainly not used. I have had my Linn Sondek LP-12 since 1982. I bought the Linn Sondek CD-12 when it came out in 1999. It was wonderful. When it died, Linn said they couldn’t get parts to fix it. A $20,000 boat anchor. No discount on a new player offered, nothing. 
cvman
34 posts
 
The availability of spare parts or replacement lasers /drive transports for many high end CD players is a real risk. I would guess few want to spend big bucks (> $5k) on potential "boat anchors". Esoteric won't sell replacement drives to previously supplied manufacturers like Emm Labs, Oppo is out of business, and even Cary doesn't have replacement parts for its vintage units.
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,974 posts
 
Very good arguments against 1. used and. 2. Expensive
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