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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
ghostrider45
449 posts
 
Call or email Classe to confirm availability of service if needed. If you get a good answer then go for the Classe.
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
New technology is not necessarily better in CD reproduction. There is a school of thought which believes that sound quality has been compromised by a switch to better measuring but worse sounding electrical components. My own transports and players are , with one exception, at least 16 years old, have had no problems. All Meridian except my Tri Vista 21 DAC.
xenithon OP
130 posts
 
Stanwal - yes, the one thing I noted is that the Classe sounds better to these ears. Thus it is not too much of a concern in terms of technology (it actually upsamples to 24/192 I believe so is no slouch in that respect); but more so age of the model/unit...mechanical wear and tear, age-induced component failure etc.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
yes. Best bet is to buy a sony refurb 595 for $60 on the sonystyle site. If you don't like it they will come and get it for free. How can you go wrong? This way you compare and you decide.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
It all comes down to the transport, whether it is replaceable or not. Find out from Classe whether they can replace the transport or not. This is the key, a good transport will last from 5-15 years....though most transports do not fall into the 'good' category. If you cannot replace the transport, you have a potential boat anchor on your hands.

I've owned Classe and Marantz CDP's, amongst many others. That being said, I would not buy a CDP that is over 5 years old myself....from personal experience.

Cheers,
John
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