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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
melchior-christoph
15 posts
 
I do have the combination of a Metrum Amethyst DAC (non-oversampling DAC) and a "Pro-Ject Dock Box S Digital" iPod-Dock with a iPod Touch. (iPod Classic with SDXC-card would be better).
I rip my CDs and convert them to AIFF lossless. The iPod-Dock solution will play up to 24bit 48 khz btw. which sounds fuller and richer.
I use this to hear audiobooks or musik when in bed.
The Dock will connect with TOSLINK to the DAC and I get uncompressed sound whithout to much computer stuff.


striderman
3 posts
 
Hey
I have a Jolida 100A tube based player that was upgraded by Mitch Singermanmake me an offer!!!
dpetri's avatar
dpetri
36 posts
 
Avoid anything mechanical  if you are buying used as you have no idea how “used” it is.  If you must buy used, make sure the manufacturer is still providing transport mechanisms.  I had a Krell KAV 300cd with a VRDS Transport and it is now a boat anchor because Krell said the transport is no longer available.
ball-wheel
70 posts
 
If you can find a good used Musical fidelity A5 cd player it's a very nice player. I bought one new in 2005. Its played countless cds with out a hitch. I've seen them sell for $500 to $700. 
headphonedreams
527 posts
 
I recommend ripping things to files and then play from a computer connected to a dac or with a player that supports UBS disks or SD cards. If you already have a streamer it may support flac files.

I have Raspberry Pi at home and it can handle this. Costs about $50 - $200 depending on if you need a nice case, a better dac etc. You can control it from your phone.

https://darko.audio/tag/raspberry-pi/

I also have a DragonFly dac that I can use with a computer or a tablet. The DragonFly Red is about $200 and the new DragonFly Cobalt is about $300.
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