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

Keep me posted as you massage the CXC into your system.
Those mods looks like a cool project as well.

Happy Listening!
Just got my Emotiva ERC-4 from Audio Alternatives.  So nice to have a cdp and dac in one.  Just plugged my macbook (via usb/spdif) into the coax input and i can stream my full res ripped cd's and stream WWOZ and others
Sounds great rich, full sound, good bass, detailed not harsh
my have to sell the MR-71 tuna
There are several things I like about your Emotiva more than the Cambridge CXC I just bought -- outputs, display, and the remote by a mile. The only solace I have is that I paid $399 rather than $599 and didn't get a DAC I didn't want. Happy listening!
I might have to try a CXC into whatever DAC I get (if I go that way . . . ) and see how it is compared to the Exposure 3010S2 I have as a player . . . it's been too long since I heard one. 
@naimfan For what it's worth, I spent some time comparing it pretty closely to the streaming stuff I have (not high res, but 320kbs). I really heard a difference -- it was definite, clear to my ears. And I often second guess my ability to hear differences. The CXC's successor is out, so I'd suggest grabbing the CXC while it's still discounted. Crutchfield has them and a 30 day return policy.