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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
jafant
19,036 posts
 
hilde45

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

Happy Listening!
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,919 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!
dorkwad
540 posts
 
hilde45,

If you are looking for IC recommendations, look on Audiogon for Acoustic BBQ ICs and speaker cables.  Bill Dion (grannyring) sells Duelund wires with very good connectors at more than reasonable prices.  If you haven't heard of the Schroeder Method of using double sets of ICs to each component, it makes a very significant difference in all ways compared to regular single ICs.  Bill sells a set of double ICs for $289--his regular ones are $179.  This is a super deal.  I have double ICs each needing 4 sets of splitters to do all the connections.  Bill has 2 separate sets of cables all build to do the double so you don't need the splitters at all.  There is more increase in sound quality by doubling the ICs than if you were to double or even triple the price of a single IC from the same manufacturer.  Duelund wires are very natural sounding much like real music.  This idea comes from Doug Schroeder who reviews for Dagogo online.  I guarantee you that all who have heard this configuration will never go back to a single set of ICs.  Bill's speaker cables are also Duelund and he sells them for $379 for an 8 ft. pair.

Bob


hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,919 posts
 
Thanks, I’ll check on that!
dorkwad
540 posts
 
hilde45,

You need to check out the ad in US Audio Mart for a MW Sony 999 with the separate power supply and tubes--full mods in other words.  You could get this at VERY near your price point or at it.  ALL the other good players that have been listed will pale in comparison in sound.  This IS the type of buy I mentioned before.  Jack be nibble, Jack be quick...
You can thank me later.

Bob
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