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Used CD player for 200-300

I want to purchase used cd player. I say used because I'm hoping I can get a better used player for this price than one could get new. For instance I have seen an Ultech cd player which is nearly ten years old for sale, and I have read good things about them. I thought I would ask for a few opinions. I have also toyed with the idea of using a Denon 2910 DVD player or something like it instead. A few opinions/suggestions would be nice. I'm quite tempted by the Ultech because I like simplicity, like the old phrase "less is more".
jdfelice
reubent
6,952 posts
 
Jd,

I recall Ultech from many years ago, but haven't heard their name much/any over the last few years. This would concern me if I were thinking of buying a used Ultech. Is the company still in business? Are parts available?

CD players are notorious for needing either laser or transports replaced after they get some age on them. The Ultech is at the age where it could be expected to have a laser or transport failure in the next couple of years (if not sooner).

I'm not trying to talk you out if the Ultech if you have your mind set on it, but I would suggest that you insure it can be serviced before you spend your money.

BTW, even some very popular high end players are becoming high priced boat anchors when they fail because the transport parts are no longer available. Just make sure you do your homework before buying an old player.....

Enjoy,

TIC
jdfelice OP
26 posts
 
after taking a few minutes to look, the NAD looks pretty nice. It's also rather new compared to the Ultech. I think I'll watch for a NAD. The Oppo's seem to be respectable, but this would not fit my simplicity preference. I always like Denon equipment, is there a Denon model that would be worth buying?
tobias
1,534 posts
 
The Shanling CD-S100, CD-S100 MkII, and the entry-level Music Hall players--
CD25, CD25.2--(which are made by Shanling) are all a few degrees above the
competition at the price IMHO and they mostly play HDCD.
jdfelice OP
26 posts
 
Do the NAD players have reliability problems?
tobias
1,534 posts
 
I have a NAD 541 which has in the past skipped on a CD-R disc. Cleaning the lens with a cleaning disc--the kind with little brushes glued on the business side--fixed the problem.

The 541 is known for this particular foible, which the 541i was introduced to remedy. However, in use, my 541 has only proved reluctant on this one CD-R, and a treatment with the brushy disc fixed things. Other CD-Rs have played fine.
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