2. digital
  3. 154236-139155

Considering getting a CD player (again). Used? New? Criteria?

After years without one, I'm considering getting a CD player. I'm not against streaming, but I have many CD's and would like the simplicity of just playing them from time to time. I probably want to cap my expenditure at $700, or so, because this won't be the only way I play music.

A few questions:
If you've purchased a new CD player, what did you buy? Why?
If you've purchased a used player, how old is too old? What factors helped you choose?

My concern with used is that the transport mechanism of older players will be getting tired, and this won't be knowable just because a unit "checks out" with the site (or individual) testifying to the player's working condition. There's got to be an average point for many machines to give up the ghost, mechanically (varying from machine to machine, of course).
128x128hilde45
akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,237 posts
 
REGA ISIS VALVE CDP/DAC

it comes in two versions .., the “standard “ and upgraded “valve” (tubes) . I chose the valve model for superior performance.

To your points

- world class audio performance ... full stop.
- it has direct USB input to its high-end DAC via its remote so you play external ripped files on external hard drives
- KEY POINT .... it won’t crap out on you because there are two (2) new matched serial number CD transports reserved for each unit at REGA

” ....Those worried about the viability of the CD format and getting your player serviced in the future, fear not. Inside the owner’s manual, there is a signature from the technician that assembled your ISIS, another tech that QC’d the electrical and mechanical systems and the tech that tested and archived not one, but two spare laser units. I think it’s safe to say that the ISIS will last longer than most of its owners and I appreciate this attention to detail, with CD transport mechanisms getting scarcer all the time...”


https://www.tonepublications.com/review/the-rega-isis-cd-player-2/

Other reviews

https://6moons.com/audioreviews/rega2/1.html
http://hifiandmusicsource.com/2019/05/rega-isis-cd-player-review/
https://www.techradar.com/reviews/audio-visual/hi-fi-and-audio/amplifiers/rega-isis-and-osiris-66135...

TAKEAWAY

A personal demo is suggested that will impress you
grinnell
1,094 posts
 
Isn’t the REGA ISIS VALVE CDP/DAC around $9K?
I’m looking at the Emotiva ERC-4 a CDP with DAC at $600
The Emotvia has a 5yr warranty, the previous edition the ERC3 has good reviews ( the slightly noisy transport has been replaced)
im going to run my computer into the Emotiva via a schiit eitr usb to spdif converter so i can stream and listen to Itunes
jl35
3,977 posts
 
Maranta CD6006 way below your price. Cambridge CXC with Schiit DAC. Rega Apollo used.  Good places to start your search. 
More to discover