Fishers9:
Good thread. First, I can assure you that any of the 3 above mentioned brand new CD players will sound far better than your 10 year old Sony or 10 year old anything in that price range. There has been much improvement in the electronics of CD players in the past even 5 to 6 years. Improved DAC's, power supplies, transports, etc. Now IMO, of the 3 above, I would lean towards the Marantz CD5001. Check the reviews on-line and you'll see many positive ones (audioreivew.com). Marantz seems to have the overall balance of sound even in their budget products but the NAD will be close. Can you visit a store that sells both or better yet all 3 where you can switch between them and compare? That would be the best approach. Since Marantz and NAD compete head to head, it's probably doubtful that one store would handle both but you never know. Where are you located?
Good thread. First, I can assure you that any of the 3 above mentioned brand new CD players will sound far better than your 10 year old Sony or 10 year old anything in that price range. There has been much improvement in the electronics of CD players in the past even 5 to 6 years. Improved DAC's, power supplies, transports, etc. Now IMO, of the 3 above, I would lean towards the Marantz CD5001. Check the reviews on-line and you'll see many positive ones (audioreivew.com). Marantz seems to have the overall balance of sound even in their budget products but the NAD will be close. Can you visit a store that sells both or better yet all 3 where you can switch between them and compare? That would be the best approach. Since Marantz and NAD compete head to head, it's probably doubtful that one store would handle both but you never know. Where are you located?