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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
djones51
4,947 posts
 
I bought a  NAD C538 but I use an outboard dac though the dac in it isn't to bad. I just needed something to use occasionally I mostly stream. 
phidelt496's avatar
phidelt496
3 posts
 
I also went through the same thing a year ago.  I do enjoy physical media...I feel like it engages me in the music more...since I have to get up and put the disk in and change disks.  I listen to more full albums that way and just enjoy the ritual of it...same as my TT.  I settled on a Marantz ND8006.  They can be had refurb for around $800.  But that includes a great DAC with USB input and HEOS Streaming (horrible interface, but the SQ is spectacular).  I moved my Node2i to another room because I liked streaming direct to the ND better. I would not hesitate to recommend the CD6006.  No streaming or additional DAC inputs, but I would imagine the CD mechanism is the same/similar.  NAD makes a couple of models in your price range as well.  Good luck and hope this helps.  
dorkwad
547 posts
 
If, like me, you could get lucky and find a used Modwright either Sony, Oppo, Marantz, of Denon, at of near your price, you would have a really great sounding CD that you could use for a long time.  You will have the best chance of finding the Denon, Sony or Opportunity units used.  It will be the equal or better of extremely expensive machines--read that as ones over $3000 or more new.  I got a Modwright Sony 9000 used for $695 and was floored when I heard it.  I've had 2 different models of Modwright Sony since and I still use the MW Sony 5400.  It has a beautiful like analog sound together with very good dynamic ability and clarity.  The MW's have become a little more expensive and desirable on the used market in the past several years so finding one like I did will take some patience.  However, you will have a player that will take a backseat in sound to very few units and none at this price.  Dan Wright, the designer, stands behind his products even if you bought used from someone else.

Bob


cscrutinizer
34 posts
 
I have an Onkyo C-7030. I think it's fine...more than fine considering it was under $200. It has an optical and coax digital out if you want to use a separate DAC. Thought about going for the slightly more $ Marantz machines, but I'm happy with the Onkyo.
alucard19
362 posts
 
If you are looking to only spend around $700.00 then you might want to go with a Rotel RCD-1572.
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