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Searching for a new CD player

I would like to purchase either a new or used CD player.  Budget is about $600.  My biggest priority is finding one that will play CD's that contain some scuffs and scratches.  My current Yamaha 300 model that is a few years old does not do well in that respect.  I've read the Audiolab 6000cdt transport is good with CD's in bad condition but I will then need to add a DAC.  Not sure if any of the less expensive DAC's like the Cambridge Audio DAC Magic 100 is worth the cost since it appears to be about ten years old now.  Wondering if buying a new Marantz CD6007 or Rotel CD11 Tribute might be better since the DAC's are newer?  I noted the new Music Hall C DAC 15.3 is pretty good at handling troublesome CD's.  

Or would there be some used CD players that might outshine the new models mentioned?
will62

Showing 10 responses by will62

will62 OP
177 posts
 
Thanks Grinnell.  Will take a look at it.  winoguy17.  I don't have that many scratched CD's.  Just a few.  Most are very dated and can't be replaced easily if at all.
will62 OP
177 posts
 
Thanks for the additional ideas.  Yes, gave some thought to the Audiolab as well and have a cheap Topping D30 DAC I could use with it while I decide how to purchase something better.  Will have time this weekend to explore all of the ideas presented.
will62 OP
177 posts
 
Thanks for the additional replies.  Working a lot of OT at work this week. But I will have time this weekend to start researching the units mentioned.

Crustycoot.  Thanks.  I have a 30 year old Onkyo CD player that handles the scratches and scuffs better than the Yamaha.  But it is pretty dated now and as you noted, the laser probably has a limited lifespan left.  For its time being a $250 model it was halfway decent.  

Owned a Nakamichi tape deck in the early to mid 1980's.  BX2 I believe. 
will62 OP
177 posts
 
Urbie.  That's an absurd statement.  That's like saying you can't find a quality car for under 20 grand.  Granted the more you pay for anything likely will result in higher quality construction and components and more bells and whistles but that doesn't mean you can't find something decent for a lower price.  You can also find lemons at higher prices in most products.


will62 OP
177 posts
 
anton99.  Yes, I noted the Audiolab gets good reviews for handling scuffs and scratches on CD's.  It is something I've given some thought to.

BTW. To the others recommending players that handle BluRay and SACD, I don't actually have any of those disks.  Only CD's.  Prefer a pure CD only player.  Don't watch Video through a Home Theater system either.  
will62 OP
177 posts
 
mesch.  The Onkyo DX 702 does indeed have a Toslink cable to the Topping D30 DAC.  Cheap DAC though.  Sound with that is only slightly better than the built in DAC.  

But, this does give me something to think about.  Perhaps spending a few hundred on a quality DAC would then allow this CD player to perform on the level of a newer model.  Would that be the case?
will62 OP
177 posts
 
At this point I am leaning towards keeping the Onkyo CD player and adding a new DAC.  Seems to be the best move since it is working fine and handles the problem CD's better than the Yamaha.

Have looked at the Bitfrost 2 and Modius from Schiit.  Good reviews for both models for the most part.  

Will start researching some others now and if anyone has any other suggestions feel free to mention them.  I don't know much at all about external DAC's.  Will look at the MyDAC that Grinnell has mentioned.
will62 OP
177 posts
 
Jafant.  Just checking back in again.  I got sidetracked from the search for either a new CD player or DAC.  Been involved with a number of things including OT at work and also my radio station work and relocation in a few months.  

Will be back on this next month.  Currently upgrading cables first and then I will work on the CD player.  
will62 OP
177 posts
 
2pysop.   Unfortunately this is not an option.   I have well over 2,000 CD's and the amount of time to burn them isn't there.  I just spent over a year burning and recording around 6,0000 songs for my radio station's playlist (three different formats) and that had to be done while working around other things including a full time job with OT.  Will have to stick with either a new CD player or DAC.

My money situation is better thanks to a nice raise at work and I will likely buy a new CD player and a DAC.   Leaning towards the Rotel models  especially the 11 thanks to the late Ken I's involvement with the design.  DAC will be for the Onkyo CD player.  I have three systems and can use both.  

Does anyone know how well the Rotel's handle CD's that skip occasionally?  
will62 OP
177 posts
 
Ordered a Rotel CD14 today.  Looks like this will be my main player for years to come.  
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