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New Budget CD Player

Hello All,

My Rotel 855 CD player is getting quite long in the tooth and I'd like to replace it. While I realize that I could get a DAC and use the Rotel as a transport, its age makes me wonder whether that would result in my having to get a new player in a relatively short period of time anyway.

I have read encouraging things about the Onkyo C-S5VL, as well as equivalent models from Marantz and Denon (all around $350-$400) and wonder if any of you are familiar with these units or if there are others I should be looking at.

Buying used is always tempting, but at this price point, I don't know that anything I could afford would give me reliability and good sound. In the Philadelphia area, audio repair is a dying art and older higher end parts are not easy to come by.

In any case, I'd appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks.

Sony WEGA 32FS13, Rotel CD855 CD Player, Oppo BDP-80 Blu-Ray / DVD Player, NAD T-163 pre/pro, Front /Center Amp: Emotiva XPA-3, Rear Amp: Emotiva UPA-2,
Front Speakers: Klipsch KG-4 (1986), Rear Speakers: Acculine A-1 (2009), Center Speaker: Emotiva ERM-1(2009), Sub: Dali S 1.2 (2008)
opteron05
tpreaves's avatar
tpreaves
2,682 posts
 
Opteron05,save up for a while longer and grab a Cary CDP-1.Great player for around $800.00(used).I own one and am absolutely satisfied with it.Below is a link to Cary so you can check it out.Good luck.

http://www.caryaudio.com/products/concept/CDP1.html
tgrisham
1,291 posts
 
I would still consider buying a DAC for the Rotel. I realize it could die any day, but they have been reliable from what I read. That way you would have a much better sound than any CD player in your price range. I own a PS Audio Digital Link III. They sell for about $500 on AUdiogon. Also, the Cambridge DAC and V-DAC are well reviewed but I have not heard them. They are in your price range.
jahaira
108 posts
 
If you buy a new Dac, you could use either, Rotel and/or Oppo, as your transport. JM2C's
facten
2,749 posts
 
Marantz CD5003 very good sounding for the money
kotta's avatar
kotta
649 posts
 
I'm not sure you would be getting a better CDP than the Rotel unless you're willing to spend quite a bit more. This is a really good sounding CDP in stock form, but w/a few simple and inexpensive modifications, this CDP will be more of a "giant killer." (1) Replace stock fixed PC and install a new chassis IEC plug. (Furatech-$13 to about $23 plus. Depending on model chosen.) (2) New chassis RCA plugs. (I chose to use Vampire. $25) A good quality power cord. Good Luck!
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