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Suggestions for New CD Player

I'm looking for a new CD player, modestly priced under $1,500, that will  work well with a 2-channel system featuring B&W 804S floorstanders, a McIntosh MC402 power amp, and a Magnum Dynalab MD208 receiver used as a preamp.

My wife and I mostly listen to classical music, and have an extensive CD collection, particularly heavy in orchestral (e.g., Mahler, Beethoven) and opera (Wagner, Verdi) and piano/violin.  (My wife is a Julliard-trained musician.)   Pre-pandemic, we were frequent concert-goers, preferring about rows 8-15.  We also rock out on occasion. We appreciate fine equipment, but we're music-lovers rather than true audiophiles.

We previously had a Consonance Droplet CD player (tubed, nice sound quality, when it worked, which wasn't often enough) and a Lexicon RT-20 (a little harsh, and wouldn't play many discs).  I won't buy a used player.  In my experience, CD mechanisms are the most fragile of all components.

I realize I'm asking a lot at this price point, but life itself is compromise.  Don't really care about wireless capability or digital files.  SACD is nice, but redbook capability is what really matters to us.  Considering Cambridge Audio 851, Rega Apollo, but open to suggestions.

Your thoughts?






gg107

Showing 1 response by tonykay

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tonykay
1,298 posts
 
You'll get lots of suggestions for a CD player under $1500, and my first choice was going to be a used Oppo 105D until I saw your "I won't buy used" quote. Seeing that, you're probably better off buying a new Cambridge Audio CD from a dealer. In the event that you have a problem, you will likely have better luck getting it replaced locally.

Coincidentally, I also have a Consonance Droplet CD player (in addition to that Oppo 105D). I bought it used and, although it is quirky, it does sound nice. I bought the Oppo new and have never had any issues with it. I would still recommend the Oppo, but the 203 and 205 (if you can find them) have been priced out of your stated price range.
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