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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
brockwired's avatar
brockwired
53 posts
 
I just use old DVD players fed into a DAC. Some of the new blu-ray players will also handle SACDs.  I own quite a few CDs and some of them have seen better days. I now mostly listen to vinyl and streaming, but I do own a few disks that are not available to me any other way. 

Take your worst disk and try it in every DVD and Blu-ray player you own. If it plays to your satisfaction get an inexpensive DAC and enjoy. You can always get a transport later.
urbie
275 posts
 
You're not going to get anything that's any good for 600 bucks
ptack's avatar
ptack
2 posts
 
Try the Sony ES UBP-X1100ES universal disc player. It's right at $600 and will play SACDs along with CDs and BlueRay disks. You can't get more for the money.
crustycoot
604 posts
 
I don’t know of any measure of a player’s ability to read scuffed discs. Maybe a repair tech can comment on that. I think it has to do with the strength of the laser and critical focus adjustments that can be tweaked. It definitely has nothing to do with the DAC...that is downstream from the pickup. On the Rega Apollo, my experience says it’s data recovery is not its strong suit.  Buy new if you want a strong laser...they do weaken with age, and you get a warranty to help if adjustments are needed.  Another option is to buy from a reliable repair shop that has thoroughly tested and tweaked the player. Nakamichi made great sounding players that are abundant on the used market. 
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.


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