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Ruminations On CD Players

After multiple factory rebuilds, I'm ready to replace my twenty year old Arcam CD-73 CD player.  I've looked through lists of recommended CD players in the $2000 range, and have noticed that some are all-inclusive while others have separate transports and DACs.  Other than ease of replacement, what are the benefits of having the transport and DAC separate?  Any recommendations on CD players in this price range?  I only have music CDs so don't need anything that can do more than that.

 

Thanks,

John Cotner

New Ulm, MN

jrcotner
jafant
18,847 posts
 

jrcotner

 

I am a big fan of Arcam players as well, especially, the FMJ series. There has never been a better time to update a CD player. Check out AYRE CX-7e or CX-7e MP. Strictly cd playback and fits well within a budget of $2K.

 

Happy Listening!

roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,708 posts
 

Thats interesting. I don't recall ever seeing a new player in that price range that had a separate transport. Which ones did you see?

tomcarr
1,471 posts
 

Rotel has a new one that Stereophile rates class A. $2300. 

jrcotner OP
61 posts
 

Thanks for the info.  I don't recall if the separates were in my price range or not, just an observation that they exist.  I want to learn if it is something to save my pennies for, or if the sonic qualities of separates are subjective or only audible on higher-end equipment.  

vonhelmholtz
911 posts
 

I will post the required counter to investing again in a CD player.

First, you haven’t posted your system, so I have no idea of the quality, or even if you have a streamer/server, but assuming that you have a good quality streamer/server:

Ripping CDs is now a bit perfect process.  If a streamer can take advantage of SSD storage and is of good quality, you can have the quality end result of a top notch CD transport.

A bit over a year ago I decided to take the 4K I was going to spend on a top transport and upgrade my streamer/server and I’m very happy with the results.  My music is on an internal Aurender SSD and backed up to a Synology Raid network drive.  CDs are in storage.  All is controlled by my iPad.

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