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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
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Well I guess it all depends on what you decide is your budget for a cheap cdp.
At any given time there are literally hundreds of good 80,s and 90,s cdp on eBay going for relative peanuts.

I still have and use an old Samsung bluray player in a bedroom system just taking the optical output so using as a transport.

And it sounds better than it has any right to for the grand sum of $21 shipped a few years back!
dr_wu
9 posts
 
I'm using a Sony DVP-NS425P as a CD player. Cost $99 new, several years back. Has a 24-bit, 192mHz DAC that sounds great. If a better external DAC comes along, it has coax and optical digital outs.
glupson
7,842 posts
 
"Pick up a cheap CDP if the opportunity arises."
If you are in the U.S.A., stop by Goodwill or something similar. They are $10-15 when they have them. I used to see SONY ES players for about that much but had zero use for it so I had to pass. Of course, no guarantee it will be there if you go.
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,883 posts
 
n80

which Arcam model-

Happy Listening!
n80 OP
2,133 posts
 
CD92 with the 'ring' DAC (the part which isn't working). The odd thing is that it will play through the DAC/RCA outputs for maybe a minute when you first turn it on then it gets all garbled up and quits playing altogether.

We do have some Goodwill and consignment type shops around and I will keep an eye out for something.
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