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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
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
5,117 posts
 
Thanks to all, yet again. Came across this little video by Paul McGowan: Question comes in at 1'05":
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGOWAWZODAY&t=110s

Essentially he says, don't buy something expensive if your system isn't very expensive. In this particular question, he even dissuades from Cambridge and Marantz mid-fi because, on a budget, they won't make a difference. Listen to his answer for the nuance, because he is not saying transports don't matter!
audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,018 posts
 
I own the Marantz sa8005 sacd player, Marantz hdcd-1 compact cd player, and the Audiolab cdt6000 transport. All are great machines in my opinion. The audiolab paired with the vdac 90 by musical fidelity sound great. 
chasda's avatar
chasda
67 posts
 
Yamaha CDS2100 / SACD 
Good quality DAC via USB, balanced connections and a real solid transport. 
This unit weighs about 35lbs it's a rock.
The price has been dropping as the new models come in but not sure how low yet. If you see a used one it's worth a look.
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
5,117 posts
 
Audiolab keeps getting votes! Regarding Cambridge: Interesting mods to Cambridge. Guttenberg channel. Pretty simple. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VoxC3st7WQw
grinnell
1,118 posts
 
If you are near northern Colorado check out Audio Alternative in Fort Collins. 

I would a void a used CDP
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