As I mentioned in an earlier post I am with you on getting a transport to use with your DAC. Added flexibility, no need for redundant DACs, better upgrade path. There are a couple posters on this thread that preferred the Audiolab transport over the Cambridge. The original Cambridge can be had for close to 1/2 the price however (~$300).
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).
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).
128 responses Add your response
Re: new vs. used. Everyone has different perceptions of risk and risk tolerance. If I buy a used player, I have no idea how hard it was used by the previous owner (or their family). All that matters is that it works when they sell it. Unlike a car, it has no odometer. If I buy new, I know it's new and there's a warranty for years. Audio hobbyists are fine with owning many different CD players and/or getting replacements. I'm not planning on making CD's central to my audio life, and so I want to do something reliable here and not revisit it. Better ways to spend my time and money. Re: transport vs. CD players. Lots of folks continue to weigh in with their best CD player suggestions. I'm fairly convinced that I don't want to pay for the DAC section of a player if I'm going to purchase a kick-ass DAC that I will use in lieu of the CD players DAC. If I just pay for transport, from a good brand, I'll get better transport. These are just the way the advice here is striking me, given my situation. There's a lot of good info here for those in a different situation, so glad people are taking the time to weigh in. |
I absolutely don't agree with the don't buy used policy. There are some outstanding used CD players/transports out there that are under $700 that originally costs in the multiple thousands that will blow away many new CD players/transports today. If you already have a decent dac, I recommend Pioneer Elite CD/Blue Ray players such as the DV-09, BDP-O9, DV 79 avi, etc. The DV-09 and BDP-09 were seriously overbuilt and are actually outstanding as transports. The BDP-09 and DV-79 AVI are great transports and also really good as CD players. These are just a few. You can get a working DV-09 for about $300. it weighs a ton (so to speak), overbuilt and sounds great. Doesn't play SACDs though. The BDP-09 and DV-79 avi do. The industry kept growing and therefore, it started out with CD players/transports. Then Blue ray came into existence and many people got rid of the CD players for Blue ray players. But, if you only wanted one for playing CDs, you can't go wrong. If your budget is $700. There isn't a $700 CD player out there that can touch any of the ones I listed above. And as transport only, I can tell you that I have tested many in the multiple thousand dollar range that couldn't touch the ones I listed above as transport only. enjoy |
Wanted to follow this. I currently stream 100% using a directstream Dac. Internet is unreliable, so no network, no music. Ive got a dac I love so only need the transport portion of a player. Been considering a used high quality transport, but always well beyond the price it seems I could get a hi rated new CD/DVD. Was thinking what would be important is a reliable loading system. Being able to manual drop a disk rather than tray loading or slot load seems to make sense. A good clock and steady motor. Not sure if jitter specs would be the measure of this. A buffering player seems to get around some if this by delaying handoff for a bit allowing timing and read errors to be corrected before handoff to a dac. I like that feature but that is still too expensive |
As a few others have suggested get the Emotiva ERC-4 it fits your budget, performs way above its price point in terms of audio quality. Sounds much better than my Oppo 203 but will add IMO to get the most from this player it should be used with the balanced outputs feeding a fully differential balanced pre-amp. The ERC-4 is a fully differentially balanced design. I owned the ERC-3 previous to this and feel confident in stating the ERC-4 sounds better although it uses thee exact same DAC chip, the Analog Devices 1955. Given my experience with the ERC-3 I thought a lot of people were making a mountain out of a molehill regarding the noisy transport. To that I should also add in all fairness the ERC-4 can be significantly quieter but on some disc most of the time but for what ever reason I can still hear some chattering/noise with the ERC-4 on a few but not all disc which is easily remedied by hitting the stop button, then play again. Alternatively one can eject the tray, then close again and this will fix any noise. In conclusion the audio performance of this player is equal to if not better than my Holo Spring DAC Level 1 using Aurdirvana + 3.5. They sound different but after a few weeks of comparing I tend to lean toward the ERC-4 which sounds more pleasing to me. Its very dynamic spacious and smooth. Highly recommended. |
Most "vinyl-like" CD sound I've heard comes from Audio Note (UK). I got a Level 4 CDT plus equivalent DAC (so way above your stated bracket) ... BUT the more affordable Audio Note transports and DAC's (which are really quite reasonably priced) have the same vinyl-like "DNA" found in the Level 4/5 units and which I find so appealing. Worth an audition at least IMO. |
I would purchase a universal player with a digital output so you can add a DAC to improve sound. There are a lot of DVD-A and SACD disc floating around, they do sound very good. A universal player will allow you to dip you toe in or indulge as your mood suits. Various OPPO models are obvious choices. There are several Marantz models that both sound good, and represent good value- specifically the special editions and Ken Ishiwata (sp?) signature editions. I have a Pioneer Elite DV-79i for when I want to spin silver discs. |
I purchased a used Rega Apollo from TMR a year or so ago for ~$450 and ran the digital out into my PS Audio DS DAC. Really like the sound. It is very notacibly better than my Bluesound Node 2 streamer into the same DAC. The bet I was making was that the transport part of the player was the cheaper part of the technology and as long as i used a modern higher quality DAC I would be fine. So far so good. |
If you want to buy new, the NAD 546 BEE CD player is top rated for sound in the under $700 price range. I bought a NAD 502 as the first CD player I actually could live with sound wise as I was a longtime record listener. They now have the 546 BEE which is a much better sounding player as NAD always continues improving as the years go by. You can get a brand new player for $546 plus tax. The NAD’s just OK looking, but the sound is very good. Bob |
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I recommend ripping things to files and then play from a computer connected to a dac or with a player that supports UBS disks or SD cards. If you already have a streamer it may support flac files. I have Raspberry Pi at home and it can handle this. Costs about $50 - $200 depending on if you need a nice case, a better dac etc. You can control it from your phone. https://darko.audio/tag/raspberry-pi/ I also have a DragonFly dac that I can use with a computer or a tablet. The DragonFly Red is about $200 and the new DragonFly Cobalt is about $300. |
Avoid anything mechanical if you are buying used as you have no idea how “used” it is. If you must buy used, make sure the manufacturer is still providing transport mechanisms. I had a Krell KAV 300cd with a VRDS Transport and it is now a boat anchor because Krell said the transport is no longer available. |
I do have the combination of a Metrum Amethyst DAC (non-oversampling DAC) and a "Pro-Ject Dock Box S Digital" iPod-Dock with a iPod Touch. (iPod Classic with SDXC-card would be better). I rip my CDs and convert them to AIFF lossless. The iPod-Dock solution will play up to 24bit 48 khz btw. which sounds fuller and richer. I use this to hear audiobooks or musik when in bed. The Dock will connect with TOSLINK to the DAC and I get uncompressed sound whithout to much computer stuff. |
someone whose audio expertise i respect convinced me that glass optical is better than the standard plastic optical so at his suggestion i got this for $30 on amazon: "3 Ft Toslink Glass Digital Audio." Whether or not it's actually superior or mere placebo I can't attest, but it's well-made and does the job
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I would get an Oppo BDP 103. Solid machine, older tech but so are your CDs and it plays SACDs if you want the best of CD listening. It also plays blueray and DVDs. $ 649.00 on Amazon. If Music is your main interest the BDP-83 works just as well for half the price. $299. Its made and serviced in the USA and customer service is unparalleled. |
Apologies if you thought I was pushing a streamer instead of buying a CDP. My point was the sound quality of my streamer is significantly better than the CXC. I would like a CDP or transport that sounds as good as or at least greatly reduces the gap between it and the streamer. I am hesitant to buy anything used that I cannot return. I don’t like to return merchandise (of any kind), but so far with my experience with the CXC there is no reason to spend $400 and not be happy with its performance. I don’t consider myself “overly critical”, and my ears are well past their prime, I am just disappointed with the CXC. I have an old Denon 5 disc CD changer I am going to hook up and compare next. That may give me some perspective. I’m not sure what the next step will be. |
If you have a DAC get a cd transport. Sound is fantastic. I got a Cambridge CXC. You can get it directly from Cambridge USA for $399.00.
https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en/products/cx/cxc Use digital coax or optical to connect to your DAC. I like digital coax. |
Audiolab keeps getting votes! Regarding Cambridge: Interesting mods to Cambridge. Guttenberg channel. Pretty simple. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoxC3st7WQw |
Thanks to all, yet again. Came across this little video by Paul McGowan: Question comes in at 1'05": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGOWAWZODAY&t=110s Essentially he says, don't buy something expensive if your system isn't very expensive. In this particular question, he even dissuades from Cambridge and Marantz mid-fi because, on a budget, they won't make a difference. Listen to his answer for the nuance, because he is not saying transports don't matter! |
I was in the same arena and finally decided to buy another CD player but I guess I am more of a risk taker if I smell what could be a bargain in the wind. Bought an older C.E.C belt drive transport and was very happy, under $200 but yes its old but does have aes/ebu digital out which is how I used it. Then fell lucky and moved up to an Esoteric DV-50S which is just in another world entirely and CD and DVD-A has taken on complete new life through this machine.This i use its XLR balanced ouytputs direct into my BAT VK300xSE. Built like the proverbial tank at 47lb and is Teac high end division, you can find them under 1k if lucky ( mine was $750). Good luck and welcome back to the little silver disc! |
I have been through this as well. 95% vinyl listening but have a great collection of CDs not available on vinyl. For a $700 budget I would buy a NEW transport at best deal I could get, and spend the rest on the best USED Schitt DAC I could find. I had a compact Cambridge CD player in another system that I use as a Transport in my main system now. I am satisfied with the sound and, as others upgrade their DACs being into digital much more than I, I can upgrade the DAC if so inclined in the future. My system is posted here on Agon. The inexpensive little DAC has made me enjoy my CD collection more. Good luck in your solution! |
Suggest using your Audioengine D1 and purchase either the Cambridge of Audiolab transport. Search digital forums here, a couple posters who have tried both say the sound of the Audiolab is better. I purchased the Cambridge due to the closeout price of the original (I paid $325). Was considering the Audiolab also. You will buy time for researching the DAC/streamer market. |
I bought a Oppo 105 new, but you can find used ones around $800. I bought mine strictly for hi-rez CDs as I had a heavily moded Pioneer PD 65. Eventually the 65 died. While I was researching what to buy I used the Oppo exclusively. Eventually I came across a little known Marantz HD CD 1, which is 2/3 the physical size of the regular models. It's built like a tank, handsome, and has all the current outs. My Audio Alchemy/Pre has a built in dac, so I only ever used the HDCD-1 as a transport. It is quite a good buy at ~ $600. I recall early reviews of the 105 saying that more exotic players used the innards but made certain upgrades, especially to the power supply. So I bought one from Ebay for < $200, which raised the level of the 105 to a point I no longer use the Marantz. I have seen slightly used 105s for ~ $800 hth |
@ericsch The Rega Apollo R is $1,095, which is not in my price range. My upper limit is $700. Maybe someday, but I’m sticking with my own parameters. @mcstin The Node2 streamer is something I’m considering also. But my inquiry is not an either-or. I’m looking for a CD player so I can play CD’s. @marklings Thanks for confirming my own instincts. I’ve had two CD players die over the years on me. They were fairly inexpensive, so this time I’m seeking new and something sturdy, but without going spending-crazy on a format that will only be a utility infielder in my lineup (hence the price limit). @twodolphins The Ear Yoshino looks great, and lists for $6795, nearly 10x my budget. @jafant I’ll do my best to go listen! The tricky part is knowing that what I’m hearing is coming from the CD player itself. And while listening always contains a number of variables, at least if one brings something of one’s own gear — e.g. I brought my speakers to a store to hear their speakers, side by side — one can get something of evidence. I suppose I could side by side players at a store, but transports seems more difficult. And comparing a transport with a full player isn’t going to cut it at my price point. That’s why mechanical hardiness and price are so key for something like this. This is more likely to be an untried purchase than, e.g., speakers or amps. |
I am in the same boat and decided to try the Cambridge Audio CXC to go along with my Peachtree Audio Nova 150. I know I am in the minority here, but I am not impressed. There is no comparison between it and my Node2 streamer. It’s not an apples to apples comparison, but it’s not even close. I am going to do some more comparing but at this point I don’t see a reason to keep it. I am still within my return period. I don’t know what to try next. I’m feeling a little gun shy at this point, and am hesitant to get anything that I can’t return. There are a lot of good suggestions on this thread. I don’t want to spend $2k to get something that sounds close to the Node2. What to do, what to do? |
The TEAC looks interesting but it’s showing up discontinued for retail. Maybe used… Bob, I hear you about the tray. I think Denver, where I am, may have people who could repair. I love the idea of a MW mod, but they’re way more than I can spend. Jafant — I will! There’s so much advice on this thread, it gets foggy in my head. However, the more I think about the transport-only option, the more it makes sense -- no money wasted on anything but good, solid transport. I’m just really hesitant to buy a CD player used, even a good one, because of the mechanical wear and tear it could have gone through. I’m getting tired and need to sleep. I’m really most inclined toward the Cambridge or Audiolab transport at this late hour, but who knows tomorrow! Will let you know. |
If I was buying used CD player I'd really consider The Oppo BD 105 which has decent internal DAC If go you the new route, the Audiolab cdt is excellant, but it's a transport only and was primarily designed to work with the Audiolab 6000n streamer, and 6000a Intergrated amp. But of coarse you can use them all as standalone. Prices seem to be very reasonable if that's a concern. In this review the gentleman used inexpensive external DAC and also very exspensive DAC's with CDT and was very excited about the results Watch "Audiolab 6000CDT Review!" on YouTube https://youtu.be/JAfk5a5M5ds |