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Crazy to buy a 17 year old CD Player?

My ARC CD2 just died...I think the laser finally gave up the ghost.  Any how I've got thousands of red book CDs in my library and need a replacement player.  I'm thinking an ARC CD 3MKII or the Mark Levinson 390S.  Am I crazy to be thinking this?  Got a budget of around $2000.00.  My system, though dated, is made up of higher end stuff: ARC 25 pre amp, ARC VT 150 mono amps, VPI TNT IV, Wilson Witts, all running through Transparent Reference (Balanced).
cmcdaniel5
initforthemusic
282 posts
 
The OP is after quality Redbook CD playback. IME a standalone Oppo is unable to provide that.
cmcdaniel5 OP
21 posts
 
Well, it's been about 4 months with the Ayre5xeMP.  Basically happy with the sound......the ARC had been dead for so long can't make valid comparisons to it.  The only problem is having tasted of the Apple, am now wondering about streaming and the like.   The Ayre has no digital ins so am looking at an outboard dac.  Such is the nature of the hobby.   Still, my CDs sound great and am listening more these days, so it's all good.
limomangus's avatar
limomangus
1,289 posts
 
Buying used you do have a good chance the equipment will break down .Take it from some who knows this FIRST HAND.LOL
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,367 posts
 
cmcdaniel5

Are you still enjoying the AYRE 5xeMP player?

Happy Listening!
cmcdaniel5 OP
21 posts
 
A long term update…the Ayre 5xeMP has proved to be a keeper.  Have no desire to upgrade though I have dipped a toe into streaming and just purchased a Lumin D2.
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