2. digital
  3. 1171337145

New CDP vs. older used and more expensive player

I've been thinking about buying a new Rega Apollo -- I currently have a Planet 2000 -- but I've begun to wonder about spending a bit more in favor of an older used player. I'm particularly interested in the Krell KAV-300cd, which I could pick up used for several hundred more than a new Rega. As a rule, when it comes to CDPs, is age more of a factor than in other components? Is the technology moving so fast that old is, well, old?
hodu
sc53
722 posts
 
I've often used older players since I'm not a fan of super upsampling unless it's really state of the art and super $$$. My favorite is the Electrocompaniet ECD-1 (that DOES upsample but sounds wonderful and warm anyway). If you are looking at the Krell you may not be a fan of the Electro sound. Other favorite older players often available used on Audiogon: Resolution Audio CD-55, Marantz SA-1 (also plays CDs), Arcam FMJ CD-33, Linn Ikemi. I have all of these players at one time (still own the Marantz) and would easily buy one again. I don't think the newest technology in CD players necessarily sounds the best; at least not to me. I do not like extremely detailed, "analytical" sound. I go for the warmer, mellower sound, with detail but not etching.
sc53
722 posts
 
I've often used older players since I'm not a fan of super upsampling unless it's really state of the art and super $$$. My favorite is the Electrocompaniet ECD-1 (that DOES upsample but sounds wonderful and warm anyway). If you are looking at the Krell you may not be a fan of the Electro sound. Other favorite older players often available used on Audiogon: Resolution Audio CD-55, Marantz SA-1 (also plays SACDs), Arcam FMJ CD-33, Linn Ikemi. I have all of these players at one time (still own the Marantz) and would easily buy one again. I don't think the newest technology in CD players necessarily sounds the best; at least not to me. I do not like extremely detailed, "analytical" sound. I go for the warmer, mellower sound, with detail but not etching.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
the krell is still among the best
arbuckle
89 posts
 
This is a hard question and one I am very familiar with. I haev owned most of the above. My feeling is the newer ones (I have the Raysonic CD128) are simply better in terms of air and musicality. The older players tend to sound digital to my ears, although they all stink compared to real vinyl. I have had the Krell 20il (the one for like $20k) and I thought the bass and definition was awesome, but it lacked the detail and separation of the Raysonic. 'i can go on and on, but this is a hard one.
More to discover