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Better CD Sound: The Search

Went Big into Vinyl last 2 years, then re-discovered my many CD’s, mixing it up plenty now.

I continue to try and find a CD Player with better sound than my existing cheapo Sony Changer that surprisingly keeps on keeping on.

I am hoping recent upgrades to the system will more readily reveal differences:

99.9999 copper speaker wires and interconnects, locking rca connectors, mx110z tube tuner/preamp overhaul by Audio Classics; cayin a88t bias by VAS; 16 ohm L-Pads replacing 8 ohm pots; and finally a I bought a sound meter to balance/refine the speaker’s L-Pads (it ain’t easy) for the best sound ever.
.....................................

CD Quest So Far:

I want dual processors, go used to keep cost down, even consider older vintage.

1. my Onkyo Grand Integra (DX-7500 I think), fixed the damn drawer opening problem several times.

2. This cheapo Sony Changer given to me, eh, use if for parties, why not.
surprisingly sounded as good as the Onkyo to me and friends, gave the annoying Onkyo away.

3. tried used Oppo 83 Video Player for it’s audio

Laser was weak, ’no disc’, found it is a common problem with heavily used lasers. Back it went

4. lightly used Oppo 105. Everything worked, but didn’t sound better than the Sony. Oppo is big, single, expensive, not sellers fault, so I sold it myself rather than return it, lost $205. on that attempt.

5. ’new original stock’ KLH (made by?). played a few discs, then the discs started mis-tracking on discs I know are ok.

found small black bits clinging to the surface in the area of the problems (cds play from the inside out, just guess how far out). Turned out, the belt(s) were dried out, thus when put into motion after years of storage (where?), they shed bits of rubber. Back it went, full refund including return shipping. never compared it to the Sony’s sound

6. Resolved: if vintage, make sure belts are available, get a low price, open it up when it arrives, watch it move ... use, replace belts, return as last choice.

7. Just Bought Two, in transit, One Single; One 6 Disc Changer. (both with oem remotes and power cords, most for sale are missing).

a. Denon DVD-2910 Single Player (big dent on the top. $52. del’d, eBay) (crutchfield keeps old info on their site)
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-6TIPMQKBMUZ/p_033DV2910B/Denon-DVD-2910-Black.html

b. Onkyo Integra CDC-3.4 six disc changer (open box/demo) ($51. delivered) (bserplus.com)
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_164CDC34/Integra-CDC-3-4.html

c. a bag of belts. because I will be keeping something, and I have other old stuff with belts
https://www.ebay.com/itm/334135204014

d. spare rare OEM remote for Integra 3.4, eBay

Keeping My Ears Crossed!

elliottbnewcombjr
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
elliottbnewcombjr,
I understand; your comment, "New/Used. I much prefer getting/keeping older stuff going. For everyone who thinks new is better, someone else swears by used," clarifies it for me. Enjoy the hunt! 


sevestan
29 posts
 
Just keep an eye out for any cd player with a coax digital output...have four of them all purchased for less than $20 at local Goodwills. My latest is a brand new Sony DVP-NS90V CD/SACD single disc I found in Seattle for $7. Combined with a Topping E-30 which I believe retails new for $130 I get outstanding performance. I too enjoy physical audio and have a vast collection of CDs and vinyl.
elliottbnewcombjr OP
5,483 posts
 
Streaming

Makes sense, the whole world, tempting, my friend did it for a few years, quite happily. Now: he is back to LP's and CDs.

At 73 years old, I know myself, it's not for me. I'm hands on.

I stream in my office, enough to find new artists, then I look for Vinyl, some New, often Used, Near Mint, Very Good+, have never been disappointed. If no vinyl, if highly desirable, a used CD, new CD if only new available, 

5,000 CD's; 6500 LPs: discover/rediscover on system sounding better than ever.

I only do focused listening, never background except Pandora in the office.


bowerpat
1 posts
 
I got a great deal about 2 years ago on a close out of a new Luxman D-08. I’ve had many very good CD players over the years but nothing compares to this. The dac in this player is better than any stand alone dac I have ever heard. When this player was first released it sold for $20,000 so I guess it should have a state of the art dac. CD’s now sound better than I could have ever imagined.
elliottbnewcombjr OP
5,483 posts
 
DENON DVD-2910

Who warned me against used?

Denon 2910 was ok for a day, got finicky, now won't read any disc, just like the Oppo 83 I had to return. 

Seems Laser is weak. 

Either a full refund (dispute with eBay will be needed), or, seller gives me a credit and I buy a new laser.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/360432530832?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item53eb73f590:g:3HkAAOSwKrhVbYBu&...

I have the tools and skill to change it, and do like keeping things going, AND it did sound good, soooo, the saga continues.
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