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Does it make sense to introduce/buy CD-only player

I have been waiting for the last 2 years for the new Spectral cd player. It's still not out, though supposedly it's only a few months more (heard that before)... But now I'm thinking: with the multiplicity of "play-all-platforms" (ie SACD, MP3, etc) players at the high end, am I buying an expensive dinosaur? Yes, I have a great turntable, but I don't think CD players will assume the same exalted status. Conversely, maybe Spectral's CDP is being delayed because of similar concerns about early market obsolescence. Reactions?
kocsis
mikesinger
572 posts
 
yes, i does.

i would invest not in sacd / dvd though i bought a marantz sacd player. yes, sacd is a little better, but only a little, it has to be a dsd recording for it to really, really better( the redbook is that good).

there simply in not enough software nor do i think there will ever be.

no high res format has ever succeded at the consumer level ( i think hard drive/ipod is the future).

if i were to invest into a new format, it would be analog ( i currently dont own a record player- but the sound is THE golden standard and there is PLENTY of cheap sofware available unlike the very, very limited and expensive selection of sacd/dvd).

Cd's are very established and will be around for awhile.

anyway it is my opinion, so please take it with a grain of salt.

best regards,

mike
gliderguider's avatar
gliderguider
294 posts
 
I've put my money on redbook, because the format has just so much music available. With a good player the sound quality is as good as one could reasonably need, for entertainment purposes, anyway. Of course, what constitutes a "good player", and what each of us needs to be entertained, is open to interpretation, but I'm darned sure you don't need SACD to be moved by Mahler, bowled over by Beethoven or seduced by St. Saens.

As soon as the number of new titles available on one of the new formats equals the number of new titles available on CD I'll consider switching. Next year? The year after? I think not.
reb1208
518 posts
 
I suggest that you approach digital as if SACD/DVD-A does not even exist. Go buy yourself a top notch redbook machine and enjoy your CD library.
mchd1
93 posts
 
I called Conrad Johnson last week to see if they had any plans to produce a CD only player to replace their DV2b player which was introduced in 1998. I was told probably not because making a CD only player was risky business in this age of multiple formats. He recommended considering a universal player from McCormack (which Conrad Johnson apparrently now owns). I really hope that other high end manufacturers don't give up on CD only players but I suppose its possible.
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