2. digital
  3. 1049444164

Help to pick redbook player

I want a player mainly for redbook CD listening, but SACD, DVD, DVD-A or changer would be a bonus. I narrowed my choices to these players. I might would have to get two players. I have no opportunity to audition most of them so I am asking your opinions which one has best redbook CD playback, perhaps in decending order:

1.Arcam CD72 - $500 used

2.ROTEL RCC-1055 CD changer $500 used

3.Yamaha DVD-S2300 SACD/DVD-A/DVD $800 new
http://www.yamaha.com/cgi-win/webcgi.exe/DsplyModel/?gCLD00010DVD-S2300

4.Philips 963 SACD/DVD/CD 192upsampling $360 new
http://www.consumer.philips.com/global/b2c/ce/catalog/product.jhtml;jsessionid=4NNPNVRQN2DXUCRQNAVRX2QKGBUTSHAW?divId=0&groupId=VIDEO_GR&catId=DVD_CA&subCatId=DVD_PLAYERS_SU&productId=DVD963SA

5.Sony 222ES changer SACD/CD $300 used

6. Rega Planet 2000 $550 used
http://www.rega.co.uk/html/planet.htm

Are they all pretty close in terms of redbook playback quality or some stand off much more? Thank you!
chelentano
fs_audio
148 posts
 
Disclaimer: I am a Xindak dealer.

The Arcam is definitely one to look into, which you already have on your list.

As Marakanetz mentioned, the AH! Tjoeb 4000 is very good, I have also heard good things about the Heart CD6000.

Also check out the Jolida JD-100, great product for the money:
http://www.jolida.com/catalogue_components.html

Probably out of your budget, but I would also suggest that you add the Xindak SCD-2 to your list (MSRP=$1695).

Some info on the SCD-2 can be found here:
http://www.xindakaudio.com/en/products/productinfo.asp?id=SACD

Let me know if you have questions or need additional info on the SCD-2.

Best Regards...Mike - Father & Son Audio
tobias
1,534 posts
 
Have you heard the Shanling CD-S100 ? It's in your price range at new retail, and is a very good deal indeed.
deven8
81 posts
 
of your choices I would take for cd playback only the arcam or the rega. If you are going to bring sacd into it then the yamaha.
budrew
467 posts
 
I would recommend the Marantz SA-8260, good with redbook and good with SACD. Around $900 new, used for less, but they're hard to find used. The Arcam is supposed to be good. I had a Planet 2000 and it was a bit laid back for my taste. I also have a modded Sony 222ES changer and it's good too, though I prefer the Marantz. Perhaps you can give us a sense of what kind of sound you like. Warm, analytical, detailed...?
wellfed's avatar
wellfed
690 posts
 
You may wish to consider the NAD 514 single drawer or the NAD 515 5 disc changer. They are only available used. I owned a 514 and was VERY pleased with it. The only drawback I found was the limited resolution in an absolute sense (probably not an issue when compared to others in the same price range), I loved everything else about it.
More to discover