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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
jrwaudio
346 posts
 
If I was buying used CD player I'd really consider The Oppo BD 105 which has decent internal DAC If go you the new route, the Audiolab cdt is excellant, but it's a transport only and was primarily designed to work with the Audiolab 6000n streamer, and 6000a Intergrated amp. But of coarse you can use them all as standalone. Prices seem to be very reasonable if that's a concern. In this review the gentleman used inexpensive external DAC and also very exspensive DAC's with CDT and was very excited about the results 

Watch "Audiolab 6000CDT Review!" on YouTube
https://youtu.be/JAfk5a5M5ds
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,974 posts
 
The TEAC looks interesting but it’s showing up discontinued for retail. Maybe used…

Bob, I hear you about the tray. I think Denver, where I am, may have people who could repair. I love the idea of a MW mod, but they’re way more than I can spend.

Jafant — I will! There’s so much advice on this thread, it gets foggy in my head. However, the more I think about the transport-only option, the more it makes sense -- no money wasted on anything but good, solid transport. I’m just really hesitant to buy a CD player used, even a good one, because of the mechanical wear and tear it could have gone through.

I’m getting tired and need to sleep. I’m really most inclined toward the Cambridge or Audiolab transport at this late hour, but who knows tomorrow!

Will let you know.

ericsch
753 posts
 
In your price range, the Rega Apollo-R. Solid build, smooth sound, no digital glare.  
mcstin
24 posts
 
I am in the same boat and decided to try the Cambridge Audio CXC to go along with my Peachtree Audio Nova 150. I know I am in the minority here, but I am not impressed. There is no comparison between it and my Node2 streamer. It’s not an apples to apples comparison, but it’s not even close. I am going to do some more comparing but at this point I don’t see a reason to keep it. I am still within my return period.
 I don’t know what to try next. I’m feeling a little gun shy at this point, and am hesitant to get anything that I can’t return. There are a lot of good suggestions on this thread. I don’t want to spend $2k to get something that sounds close to the Node2. What to do, what to do?
marklings
61 posts
 
Don't go used. Electronics are basically eternal, mechanics are not. a CD has meaningful mechanic components that will fail and crash in time. also laser light alignment is another mechanical issue that will come to bother you. Go new with any of the sensible suggestions that have been made.
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