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Should I be worried if buying a 5-6 year old CDP?

Hi All. For the past 12 months or so I have tried numerous sources, both CD/SACD players as well as DAC's (hooked up to a computer).

Many were imported (due to lack of local availability) which posed problems, especially when things went pear shaped, so I am now limiting my search to local gear. I went through testing of various players and the two on my short-list now are:
- Marantz SA7001KI (aka SA8001)
- Classe CDP-10 (preowned from a Classe distributor)

I have had them for around 5 days now and have been able to compare them thoroughly. Whilst they are close, I must admit that I find the Classe more enjoyable and more musical.

That brings me to my question - should I be worried about the fact that the Classe is a 5-6 year old unit? The Marantz is new (essentially out the box). I know the likes of Classe are known for their build quality, but I still have at the back of my mind the question of age.

The Classe is in great condition and I know the Classe distributors in the country who said that - should it need servicing - it should not be a problem.

So I am sitting with the dilemma - go for the unit which is brand new, newer technology, and has the benefit of SACD (a perk but not a requirement, as I do not have many); or go for the unit which is already 5-6 years old but ultimately sounds just that little bit better?

Cheers
X

PS. they would both come to about the exact same price
xenithon

Showing 1 response by blindjim

blindjim
3,092 posts
 
I'll echo the sentiments on the drive - sled... especially if both Red Book and SACD are being replayed or featured.

Sony built one of the more solid drives on the mkt... and supply drives to many makers of CD players. The lasers will go about 5-6 years on avg. in these units. The sACD and RB lasers are separate items but come as one gizmo... Figure on $200 to $300 for replacement.

If replaceable.... and when that occurs... consequently the sound will change. Becoming more detailed and resolute as the result of the newer lights and motor. A few hundred hours will return the player to close to it's current state... but not the exact same.

This is my exp exactly. The refit however did not make the player unacceptable to me.. but quite the contray. I just felt you should know how things can go later on down the road. In fact, I liked both the beofre and after scenarios equally... but they were quite different sounds.
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