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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
jsal3689
81 posts
 
If you have a DAC get a cd transport. Sound is fantastic. I got a Cambridge CXC. You can get it directly from Cambridge USA for $399.00.  https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en/products/cx/cxc

Use digital coax or optical to connect to your DAC. I like digital coax.
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,974 posts
 
jsal3689 -- I just ordered it! Cambridge website is out, but Crutchfield had it. 60 days to try it out. I may get something else so I can A/B it. Thanks for the cable suggestion, too.
alexberger
910 posts
 
I'm using old Cary 303 mk1 CD player as transport with Chord Qutest DAC.
Is any modern budget transport that can outperform old Cary?
I also listen CDs and LPs. I don't use any streaming service.

Regards,
Alex.
mcstin
24 posts
 
 Apologies  if you thought I was pushing a streamer instead of buying a CDP. My point was the sound quality of my streamer is significantly better than the CXC. 
I would like a CDP or transport that sounds as good as or at least greatly reduces the gap between it and the streamer. I am hesitant to buy anything used that I cannot return. 
I don’t like to return merchandise (of any kind), but so far with  my experience with the CXC there is no reason to spend $400 and not be happy with its performance. I don’t consider myself “overly critical”, and my ears are well past their prime, I am just disappointed with the CXC. 
I have an old Denon 5 disc CD changer I am going to hook up and compare next. That may give me some perspective. I’m not sure what the next step will be.

hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,974 posts
 
Any suggestions for coax or optical commensurate with a Cambridge? (In other words, no cables that cost as much as the unit!)
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