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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
dseltz
164 posts
 
A little more than you list (but can get used about your price when they are available)
Innuos zen mini ($1250)

Can load all your CD into the zen and stream from your phone.  Buy used CD, download and sell back for more CDs.  Can stream thru it. has USB to do other sources.  Can upgrade to linear power supply in future.  
bimmerman2's avatar
bimmerman2
86 posts
 
I'm old school and prefer the sound of the ancient TDA1541 chip. 
Many manufacturers used this chip, I've got several players that utilize it, and would also say to find something with an old school Phillips transport. 
My stable currently;
Rotel RCD 855 
Magnavox 460 
ReVox B226
These can all be had for less than 1k


hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,974 posts
 
Wow, lots of great suggestions. One question becomes "How old is too old?" I see there's a division between transport-only and regular players. 
1971gto455ho's avatar
1971gto455ho
499 posts
 
Get yourself a Teac PD-H600 and enjoy !!
worth 2-3 times many at its msrp..
will bring out the best and worst in your cd’s
simple, solid, absolutely quiet operating
I’ve many Flac cd’s and it doesn’t get cleaner that this 
Research past reviews... if you can find one it’s a keeper.
dorkwad
548 posts
 
The tray mechanism opening and closing is the single most often repaired item.  The rest rarely goes south.  IF you have a good repair facility near you, Replacing this one item may happen to you one day.  It's not a killer expensive part to have replaced.  I don't buy any component new anymore as you can get much better sound for your money being used.  Just pay attention to a seller's feedback and try to stay with those sellers that have 100% positive feedback.

By the way, the MW Sony 9000 I wrote about was over $3000 new with the MW mods.  Much of the MW's have upgraded parts and things done to make a standard 9000 sound considerably better.

Bob


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