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Thinking about a new, lower end CD Player

My current CD player is a basic, older Sony, probably 10-12 years old. Works fine but I could use it in another location with a lower end system. It seems to sound about as good as my Arcam CD92 that lost its DAC a while back.

So now thinking about buying a new CDP and have a couple of questions.

I’d like to keep this in the $300-500 range for units with internal DAC. Not looking for SACD player. Other than a remote, not looking for special features or multi disk players.

I’m guessing that in this price range SQ is probably comparable to other units in that range.

First, is a CDP in this price range going to sound any better than the old Sony?
Second, if not, is there any reason not to just buy a comparable $200 unit?
Third, for units in this price range ($300-500) is there any reason to look for one with balanced output capability and if so, is there any way to know if it is truly balanced.

Thanks all,

George


n80
glupson
7,842 posts
 
With Arcam/DAC combination being a possibility, it seems that your main problem has become this cheap, second system, player. That is easy. Anything used. If you are not picky, I am sure someone could donate one. You could also grab some new DVD player and be barely above the price of McDonald's family outing, if that much. Not the state of the audiophile art, but some may surprise you. Just make sure it has all the outputs you want. They frequently do not even have RCAs.

Otherwise, for a new one anything already recommended (NAD, Marantz, Denon).

It is not impossible that your Arcam has a SONY transport. At least at some point they used them.
n80 OP
2,116 posts
 
@soix , I did actually think about that but didn't do it. Can't hurt though...........so I tried it and no cigar. I'll leave it unplugged for a while and try it again later.

Thanks guys for all the other advice.

I think the first step is to get the Arcam back home and audition it with the Schiit. If its okay then I'll have to solve the low end problem later.

These types of problems open up all sorts of temptations to spend money. I could take the Schiit Modi Uber 2 down to the cabin and run the Arcam through it and then get a better DAC here at home AND a better CDP..........so tempting....
mahler123
3,277 posts
 
I love the Bluesound products, and have a Vault2 and two Node2 in different systems in my home.  I would dispute that they blow CDPs away, however; I think that the current state of CD replay is really good, and at best the Bliuesound products equal CD replay, especially when the Bluesound and the CDP are both used as transports into the same DAC
tostadosunidos's avatar
tostadosunidos
1,197 posts
 
I was very pleased with the NAD I bought a few years ago (same price range).  Then I picked up a used OPPO DVD player that was appreciably thinner (I have cramped quarters) for 20 bucks.  It sounded every bit as good as the NAD (and had a volume control on the remote).  There are options out there.
towertone's avatar
towertone
82 posts
 
I’ve been very happy with my Cambridge CXC transport, coax out to a Pro-ject Pre DAC.
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