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Top loading CD Player clearances

I am currently considering replacement of my Transport/DAC combo with a One-Box digital front end.

I should preface this question by saying I prefer front loading players for my placement application, but there are a couple top loading players I would like to consider due to their capabilities, the front runner being the Reimyo. However, I have never owned a top loading CD player, and do not understand how much room is necessary on top of the units in order to open the door, comfortably insert or remove a CD, and close the door without difficulty.

Any comments about minimum space requirements above the unit in order to see and physically pull this action off without trouble/aggrevation would be appreciated. FYI, there is a shelf which cannot be removed located above the location where the unit must sit, but I have some latitude in how low the CDP can be placed below the shelf. If I go too low though, I start running out of adequate space for remaining components. Any advice in this regard would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
v1rowt8
sdatch
204 posts
 
As an owner of 2 toploaders, my rule of thumb is 3-4 inches of space between the top of the player and the next shelf. Especially if the player has control buttons on the top as my Sony SCD-1 amd Moon Eclipse do.
bpwalsh
1,197 posts
 
I've found about 3" clearance above the Reimyo CD player is adequate, although I prefer to have it on the top shelf for easiest access. The player itself is 5 1/2" high.
v1rowt8 OP
33 posts
 
Thanks for the useful input so far guys. To further your understanding of the situation, the top shelf of my cabinet is not available for the CDP, as it is too high to reach to load and unload discs. This is the main reason why I chose to utilize the Audio Aero Prima DAC w/Transport (DAC now for sale), so as to enjoy a terrific digital front end, without a top loader.

However, my setup has changed slightly, and there is now room to at least consider the top loaders. I have thought about the move to the AA Capitole II, but that would be essentially a lateral move considering my Prima ownership.

That said, when I make a move, I generally like to move up when possible, as we all do. The problem is there seems to be very few one box solutions which would be a step up from where I am right now, and most are top loaders. The only thing I have heard in a one box which betters my AA Prima DAC/Transport setup is the Reimyo....which is very musical, but at 3 times the cost. Beyond that, SACDs/DVDAs are not that important to me. I have a few, which I use in another player, but I feel these formats are not going to survive the long haul, so I am not inclined to sink a lot of money into a player of either them.

As for now, the quest continues, but I do like the Reimyo. However, perhaps the long awaited Levinson 51 will be a contender. We'll see.

rex
245 posts
 
In my experience, 4" is about the minimum clearance to avoid fumbling. 6" is better. Less than 4" makes putting a disc in the player a frequent knuckle-bashing experience.
pardales
652 posts
 
I agree with Rex. I am using a CEC TL51X tranpsort with my Prima MK II SE DAC and I need all of the 4 inches I have. The room is mainly needed to easily lift off the heavy puck that sits on top of the disc. So, minimum 4 inches and 6 inches would be ideal. keep in mind these 4-6 inches are from the top of the unit to the next shelf. So, if the unit is 4 inches high you have to add that in.
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