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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
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
2psyop
George (OP)will probably never come back to this thread. He probably never intended to get another budget CDP. The suggestion to use a portable CDP (Walkman, Discman, Funkman or whatever) to connect to his stereo. I think that is more in line with what a 13 year old boy from the 80’s might do.

WTF? Whoa! Did I just see 666 posts for 2cyclops? Is he about to summon Satan? 👁
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Actually 2psyop I would not blame the OP at all for never returning here after it has been trashed yet again. However not for the reasoning you suggest.
Your assertion that connecting a Sony Walkman cd player is for 13 year olds in the 80,s is complete tosh if I may be so bold as to say so.

Try it before you diss it!

I did and was and am still very happy with the SQ.

Mine is connected via its headphone/aux out by a cable that is stereo aux to 2 rca analog.

Later models may have had digital out but certainly not the earlier Walkmans.
2psyop's avatar
2psyop
1,866 posts
 
Fair enough. With an eye turned toward education, sharing musical enjoyment and experimentation and experience..someone here, including the OP can buy a used Sony Walkman and connect it to their home stereo. I am all for that.
here is one for sale on eBay right nowhttps://www.ebay.com/itm/Barbie-For-Girls-Disc-Portable-CD-Player-Mattel-Pink-Walkman-Toy/1133430681...
Well under budget, that’s a good thing. Don't let your granddaughter find it, she might just steal it....if she knows what it is!?!?
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Good things come in small packages. No power cords, no interconnects, no f@#$& up house AC, no fuses, no speaker cables. And none of the distortion those things bring to the table. No real estate Issues or room acoustics crap to deal with, either. And the money you save on all of that crap you can spend on beer 🍺 

Big things have small beginnings.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Not quite what I would buy but whatever floats your boat 2psyop!

Plenty of real Walkman and Panasonic CD portables on eBay at well under $26.
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