adiorio
You having a good run with the CDP-1. If you enjoy the Cary Audio house sound, seek another CDP1 as a back up. Only a Reference EU or Japan made spinner will better it, for a significant amount of money.
Happy Listening!
New CD Player
Good afternoon,
Quick question. I have a Cary Audio CDP 1 cd player that is about 10-12 years old. Still works and sounds good. Being that is a bit dated, I thought about the new Marantz CD 60 cd player. Any thoughts on how that might compare to the Cary and would it be an upgrade.
Thank you.
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@mg16 : I am sorry you did not get my sarcasm. Read the entire thread. You will hopefully get it this time |
THYNAME is forgetting something. Yes 1's are 1's and 0's are 0's, but the digital to analog converter, (DAC), analog output stage ,makes a lot of difference in sound quality. A cheap op amp output, compared to an all discrete , class A output stage would not sound as good. Cary makes good stuff. I think the DAC analog output stage in your CDP is of excellent quality, and you would have to spend a considerable sum in order to get something better. |
jafant, It’s been a fantastic player. I picked it up used in mint condition over 12 years ago. I’ve read a few threads on different sites regarding the replacement of the disc assembly. Unfortunately, Sony no longer manufactures the unit. My DV still works like a champ. As you know, this player is built like a tank. Hope yours is still going strong. |
Another Avenue to check out is getting a CD transport and a separate DAC. I have a Cambridge Audio CDT6000 (full price new $599) and I tried three DAC’s before I settled on a Denafrips Pontus ll. I also use the Pontus ll with my streamer. But I must say the Aries ll from the same company is really good for the price. All the Best. |
This is an interesting thread. Now that we have CD quality streamers and music services readily available, it’s tempting not to replace an older player. I currently have a Conrad Johnson DV-2b CD player that works perfectly. I treat it with kid gloves. Unfortunately, it can no longer be serviced or upgraded by CJ. When it dies, I don’t think it would be worth the money to replace the CD drive. It may also be next to impossible to find an individual or parts to replace the drive. On the flip side, I just picked up a Lumin U2 mini. I think CD players are similar to turntables, they will be around for a very long time. There is something special about picking up a CD or vinyl record. Good luck on your quest. |
First, I am the distributor for CEC in the America's. Since your CD player came on the market, there has been a major change in the design of laser pickups. This made a difference in the performance of CD transports across the board. The idea that it is all one's and zero's, as a result all cd transports sound the same is not an accurate statement. The error correction used in transports is not all the same. Some transports with exotic error correction will nearly always play music, but is it what was originally recorded. NO and some audiophiles can hear this and don't appreciate it others do. CEC transports use a belt drive system for the spindle this decreases the noise in the music. If you want to know more see the Audio Union web site. |
I find the Onkyo to be incredibly transparent and a little more forward sounding, the marantz a little more fuller and warmer. With the return policy of some online dealers you can try both which is what I would do. You will use this player for another 10 years, get the one that best suits your system. The Marantz is 30% off here: |
They do sound different, You need to try them to hear whether you think it is an improvement from your prior player. better or preferred is a personal determinization. It's not just the zero's and 1's it is the 'SALAD' of ingredients any specific player has: Processor; Filters, Over-Clocking, Up-scaling, retaining DSD to output; Separate lasers for CD/SACD My last upgrade: better sounding CD player. I went thru 9 used CD players until I found/bought/love (with help here) a used Sony xa5400 ES. Difference so good I am re-discovering my CDs and buying used CDs. https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/res/manuals/4000/40006911M.pdf https://www.crutchfield.com/S-4hMRMWIbYmp/p_158XA5400E/Sony-ES-SCD-XA5400ES.html https://www.stereophile.com/content/music-round-36-page-2 https://hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/audio-player/sacd-players/sony-scd-xa5400es-player/ https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/sony-sacd-player-scd-xa5400es-yay-or-nay https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/better-cd-sound-the-search
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Jasonbourne71, just reading over your post brings back some nice memories for me of some of the vintage tube gear I have owned over the years; including a Futterman H3, ARC D70 MK2, and a pair of Heath W5m monoblocks. These were great sounding amplifiers! I still have my late Dad’s Dynakit Stereo 70 that he built in 1961, which I intend to have restored at some point. As for new CD players, there are still a surprising number of options available at various price points. I have my Dad’s Naim CDI which is in excellent shape. Given that it’s over 30 years old I use it sparingly. I also have an Onkyo C-7030 which I purchased new in 2017. It continues to receive light use as a dedicated transport for a few of my dac’s. When it gives up the ghost I’ll probably be looking for something with a smaller footprint like Shandling’s latest offerings. (The ET3 transport looks very interesting). Their newest CD player and transport offer a lot of functionality for well under $1000. It’s also refreshing to see that CD players are still being manufactured by several companies. Good news for those of us who still own plenty of CD’s.
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Generally the basic bits, laser, drive, etc. come from a single manufacturer (Sony?), or a small group of manufacturers. My NAD is 20 years old, has been re-lasered, hard to tell the difference between it and my Marantz CD6006, which is only 10? years old. The value added stuff is in the DAC, the components, assembly, engineering and finish (less plastic). For a player, not a transport (different kettle of fish), look for reputable brands, and read reviews. Cambridge Audio, for example tweaks their stuff to sound British (warm). Anything since the 90's when the market shook out and settled down should be in that "this is how we do it" standard. btw I only come here to get trolled when I'm feeling too good about life. |
@thyname : no need to throw shade! My Marantz CD67 died recently. I will buy and install a new laser. I have not yet unpacked the Samsung DVD HD841. Anyway, I have several more working CD and DVD players on hand. I actually do have way too much tube gear - both HiFi and guitar! Including a nice ARC SP6/D75 pair, a pair of Paoli Dynaco MkIII's, a pair of Heath W5's and three Julius Futterman OTL amps! |
@jasonbourne71 : your $16.54 (sixteen something American dollars) eBay “cd player” cannot possibly have tubes output stage. So how can you possibly know? Is it from circa 1975 experience working as a “high end” audio seller? I think you just stick to spending your (what’s left) social security money on big boobs |
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