Looking for a CD player


Dear community,
I listen to CDs only and I have owned an entry level AMC CD9 CD player for the past 15 years.
Over time I modified this unit to the max with very good results.
Now I think I am ready to move on to the next level so I am looking for a used CD player under $1,500.
One that can be further improved would be also interesting.
Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks!
sounasega

Showing 2 responses by adg101

$1500 budget I’d look into a Cambridge Audio CXC V2 transport and a Denafrips Ares 2 DAC. Been a long time since I’ve listened to a CAL CL15 but I think I’d go with the separates. Plenty of other affordable DACs out there as well to pair with the Cambridge transport.
Another really good CDP with preamp out and DAC input is the Cambridge Audio 851C. I have one and it sounds very nice and not bright whatsoever. It is a fairly revealing player so poor recordings are still going to sound as they are. Change out the two fuses which I did with the right power cord it’ll be tuff to beat and for what they go for used these days it’s definitely a player to consider. I also own a stock Oppo 205 and the Cambridge is more refined. Still would consider separates but for what a used Cambridge 851C goes for, you could start there then later add a DAC which is what I did, but don’t underestimate the 851C on its own. It’s also nicely built. I would think going through your Primaluna will sound great as the Cambridge is an open/transparent player. Also balance out sounds better to my ears if you have that option.