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Recommendations for 5-Disc Carousel Player

Right off of the bat, I will concede that 5-CD carousels rarely fall into the world of true audiophilia. However, I happen to very much enjoy putting in 5 excellent CDs and letting it go while I work. In my 'man cave' audio system, I am running a Marantz CC4001 5-CD carousel. But, it is begining to make some ominous noises while playing discs in positions 2 & 3 - not a hitch for the other postions.

So, I am thinking about replacing it. However, I am finding almost zero selection in new carousels. Marantz has the CC4003 replacement. Rotel has dropped the carousel from its line as has Adcom & Sony ES. Sony makes an inexpensive one and Pioneer insists upon retaining the cartridge format, which I've heard to be inferior to the carousel.

Doe anyone out there know of other brands/models I should check out? I plan to use an external DAC to upgrade the performance - in essence, it will function as a carousel transport.

Thanks in advance! Have a great day!
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john_clw07
1 posts
 
Just about my own experience. Try a SONY NC555ES.I'm using it like my second CD player now, with the Video OFF option.It is build like a tank and the carousel is solid and efficient.I realize that "accidentally" this machine became a wonderful cd player than the dvd player as originally was made.I saw some here in Audiogon ,offered for few bucks, a true bargain.
Again I say is based on my own experience, it would be a great transport also,I plan to add it a Benchmark DAC/USB in the future.
Hugs. John
synthfreek's avatar
synthfreek
627 posts
 
I'd choose an old-school Mac Mini($150), a budget USB dac($100) & an external HD($75). This would be WAY more flexible than a carousel. If you like the idea of 5 discs think about being able to do things like typing in your favorite jazz drummer's name and poof...a list is compiled with only the albums that person played on. Hit play and move on. Little things like that are easily achieved going the computer route.
realremo
460 posts
 
Synthfreek - where do you get an "old school mac mini" for $150? would this be a used computer? The new ones are minimum $600...can this cheaper mac mini of which you speak still be controlled by the remote app on an older, used iTouch? Also - could use some suggestions on a budget USB DAC that can be had for $100. thanks. I am about to replace either my head unit or the amp.
vernneal's avatar
vernneal
438 posts
 
don't buy a changer
johnss
582 posts
 
Oldmandave, wh buy another player. opt for a media server where you can have yor cake and eat it too.

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