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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).
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hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
5,035 posts
 
@mesch Thanks for the recommendations. I will likely try optical cable first. I've been trying to sort out when and where differences in cables matter -- I know this is a very controversial question and I don't have an opinions of my own. I did see this article: https://www.cnet.com/news/when-are-expensive-cables-worth-it/
which at least starts me on the topic, and I watched a Hans Beekhuyzen video or two about Audio Hygiene. It's clear to me, so far, that there are some cables where it really can matter and others where it's less important. Money, time, and experienced effect (tested with some rigor), are all relevant factors, of course.
mesch
3,524 posts
 
I am not one to speak about what is the best buy for any cable. I do know that without them my system sounds a little dull :). To me a reasonable expenditure for a cable might be up to 10% of the cost of the two components to be connected. There are those on this forum that have more experience than I who feel a greater expenditure is warranted. I simply take an approach that fits my philosophy and run with it. 

Room treatment, component isolation. cable routing are issues that can be addressed without great expenditure.

I enjoyed a listening session last night and was truly blown away. That is what this is all about.

playpen
161 posts
 
I just bought a new Tascam CD-RW900MK11 for $300.I wanted it mainly as CD recorder but was surprised it's a good transport also with my Bryston DAC.For 300 bucks new at Sweetwater a pretty good deal and it records rewritable CDRW's.
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,895 posts
 
hilde45

I am looking forward in reading about your evaluations and reviews.

Happy Listening!
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
5,035 posts
 
Thanks, jafant, and others for your reports and suggestions. One of the difficulties in contributing back to this forum is that my system is still so primitive (relative to audiophile stuff) that I'm building things up to a point where I might be able to have an opinion! But I will report what seems to be a real result, when they verifiably occur!
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