2. digital
  3. 164769-2198

Searching for a new CD player

I would like to purchase either a new or used CD player.  Budget is about $600.  My biggest priority is finding one that will play CD's that contain some scuffs and scratches.  My current Yamaha 300 model that is a few years old does not do well in that respect.  I've read the Audiolab 6000cdt transport is good with CD's in bad condition but I will then need to add a DAC.  Not sure if any of the less expensive DAC's like the Cambridge Audio DAC Magic 100 is worth the cost since it appears to be about ten years old now.  Wondering if buying a new Marantz CD6007 or Rotel CD11 Tribute might be better since the DAC's are newer?  I noted the new Music Hall C DAC 15.3 is pretty good at handling troublesome CD's.  

Or would there be some used CD players that might outshine the new models mentioned?
will62
grinnell
1,094 posts
 
I agree with many of the suggestions to use an existing cdp/dvd and add a nice dac.
I have a second system up in a cabin in the mountains and have an Oppo 981hd  sounded pretty good but I had a MyDac sitting around I had planned to sell but hooked it up to the Oppo.   Big improvement in sound.
will62 OP
177 posts
 
At this point I am leaning towards keeping the Onkyo CD player and adding a new DAC.  Seems to be the best move since it is working fine and handles the problem CD's better than the Yamaha.

Have looked at the Bitfrost 2 and Modius from Schiit.  Good reviews for both models for the most part.  

Will start researching some others now and if anyone has any other suggestions feel free to mention them.  I don't know much at all about external DAC's.  Will look at the MyDAC that Grinnell has mentioned.
tweak1
3,655 posts
 
Consider the Schiit BiFrost (has all the current inputs PLUS balanced outputs, and using a cheap player as a transport until you can get a better transport. Better transports do matter
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,601 posts
 
Rotel - CD11 Tribute looks promising.

Happy Listening!
loomisjohnson
1,941 posts
 
if your priority is a cdp that'll play whatever cd you throw at it, i'd opt for a used universal player like the pioneer elite 79 or sony s9000es, either of which are easy to find for $200 or so--they're overbuilt and very reliable.
More to discover