New Budget CD Player


Hello All,

My Rotel 855 CD player is getting quite long in the tooth and I'd like to replace it. While I realize that I could get a DAC and use the Rotel as a transport, its age makes me wonder whether that would result in my having to get a new player in a relatively short period of time anyway.

I have read encouraging things about the Onkyo C-S5VL, as well as equivalent models from Marantz and Denon (all around $350-$400) and wonder if any of you are familiar with these units or if there are others I should be looking at.

Buying used is always tempting, but at this price point, I don't know that anything I could afford would give me reliability and good sound. In the Philadelphia area, audio repair is a dying art and older higher end parts are not easy to come by.

In any case, I'd appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks.

Sony WEGA 32FS13, Rotel CD855 CD Player, Oppo BDP-80 Blu-Ray / DVD Player, NAD T-163 pre/pro, Front /Center Amp: Emotiva XPA-3, Rear Amp: Emotiva UPA-2,
Front Speakers: Klipsch KG-4 (1986), Rear Speakers: Acculine A-1 (2009), Center Speaker: Emotiva ERM-1(2009), Sub: Dali S 1.2 (2008)
opteron05

Showing 2 responses by kotta

I'm not sure you would be getting a better CDP than the Rotel unless you're willing to spend quite a bit more. This is a really good sounding CDP in stock form, but w/a few simple and inexpensive modifications, this CDP will be more of a "giant killer." (1) Replace stock fixed PC and install a new chassis IEC plug. (Furatech-$13 to about $23 plus. Depending on model chosen.) (2) New chassis RCA plugs. (I chose to use Vampire. $25) A good quality power cord. Good Luck!
I just opened up my 855 and unless you move the transformer(which I did) the IEC chassis plug is a tight fit (vertical mounting w/the factory transformer location or horizontally mounted w/the transformer relocated.)Replacing the stock chassis RCA plugs is a relatively easy job. You can use the stock wire. (I replaced this as well w/something better sounding, but the circuit board must be removed in order to solder/resolder.) If you don't feel comfortable, do not attempt. By all means do open it up, you will be impressed w/the quality. BTW, the Cary looks very nice. Regards, Bill