2. digital
  3. 137549-115924

Recommendations for CDP < $300

I'm new to hifi. Not really an audiophile yet. Inherited a nice older system but the Arcam CD92 player just died. 

I'm currently using an old low end Sony but it really belongs to a basic low end system down at my cabin. I have a couple of books on top of it and sorbothane pads under the feet and I'm okay with the SQ. But, it needs to go back down to my cabin.

Looking at used CD players on eBay, prices are all over the place and I'm a little leery of buying a used low end player which may have been mishandled etc. And even some with low prices have shipping rates that make even the cheap ones not worth the bother.

So now I'm looking at a new one. Prefer sub $300. There are three I'm looking at: Onkyo C-7030 for $200. NAD C538 for $300. It sounds like these two have the same Wolfson DAC. Not sure why the NAD is $100. I've pretty much ruled out a Cambridge CD-10 at $300 because it does not have gap-less play back. I don't listen to a ton of classical but I do some and pauses between classical arrangements would be a deal breaker.

I have noticed that some reviews are claiming newer CDPs sound much better than older CDPs due to improved technology. Not sure if this is true or not. Any reason to prefer new to historically good older models?

Anyway, besides the Onkyo and the NAD are there other sub $300 units I should look at? Anything else I need to consider?

Thanks,
George
n80
n80 OP
2,134 posts
 
Thank you all for the excellent advice. I'm now starting to reconsider my need for another CD player. I'm fairly content with the Sony (two books on top as recommended here, sorbothane pads underneath).

Was originally going to take it back down to my cabin but since all CDs are now at home I will probably just use iTunes at the cabin on the low end system that is there for casual/background listening.

If the Sony fails (or I get the bug for better SQ) I'll look into the recommendations in this thread. The Sony is light and feels like junk but it has been very reliable so far. It is probably close to 20 years old!
kahlenz's avatar
kahlenz
287 posts
 
I would consider RIPing your CDs (ALAC or FLAC).  There are any number of ways to stream to your hifi, wired and wireless (a Chromecast Audio can be had for $25).  Try Roon.
n80 OP
2,134 posts
 
That is possibly a project for the future. I have peered into that rabbit hole a few times but the software and hardware complexity and requirements seem to add up pretty fast.
kahlenz's avatar
kahlenz
287 posts
 
If you have a smart phone or laptop, a $5 patch cable will get you started.  If you have a home network, $25 will get you a Chromecast Audio.  CD quality and better.  The DACs in most modern computers or phones are pretty good.  There are a slew of external DACs available that will give you a noticeable upgrade for around $100 (Audioquest Dragonfly, Schiit Modi).

Of course, you can spend more and get as complicated as you want.  But you will be 90% there with just a $5 patch cable.  And if you can swing the monthly cost for TIDAL, you may not need to RIP very many CDs.
tpreaves's avatar
tpreaves
2,689 posts
 
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=159297.msg1701196;topicseen#new
More to discover