I'd choose an old-school Mac Mini($150), a budget USB dac($100) & an external HD($75). This would be WAY more flexible than a carousel. If you like the idea of 5 discs think about being able to do things like typing in your favorite jazz drummer's name and poof...a list is compiled with only the albums that person played on. Hit play and move on. Little things like that are easily achieved going the computer route.
Recommendations for 5-Disc Carousel Player
Right off of the bat, I will concede that 5-CD carousels rarely fall into the world of true audiophilia. However, I happen to very much enjoy putting in 5 excellent CDs and letting it go while I work. In my 'man cave' audio system, I am running a Marantz CC4001 5-CD carousel. But, it is begining to make some ominous noises while playing discs in positions 2 & 3 - not a hitch for the other postions.
So, I am thinking about replacing it. However, I am finding almost zero selection in new carousels. Marantz has the CC4003 replacement. Rotel has dropped the carousel from its line as has Adcom & Sony ES. Sony makes an inexpensive one and Pioneer insists upon retaining the cartridge format, which I've heard to be inferior to the carousel.
Doe anyone out there know of other brands/models I should check out? I plan to use an external DAC to upgrade the performance - in essence, it will function as a carousel transport.
Thanks in advance! Have a great day!
So, I am thinking about replacing it. However, I am finding almost zero selection in new carousels. Marantz has the CC4003 replacement. Rotel has dropped the carousel from its line as has Adcom & Sony ES. Sony makes an inexpensive one and Pioneer insists upon retaining the cartridge format, which I've heard to be inferior to the carousel.
Doe anyone out there know of other brands/models I should check out? I plan to use an external DAC to upgrade the performance - in essence, it will function as a carousel transport.
Thanks in advance! Have a great day!