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Buying expensive used CD player/transp = bad idea?

Hello Everyone,

I wonder what is your say(from your experience) about
buying a second hand "hi end" cd player or transport.
As far as I know the optical block(laser) in even the best cd transports(like Philips Pro)are good for 5000-6000 playing hours and after that must be replaced.
Purchasing 4-5 years old Hi End CD player which may have accumulated nearly 80-90% of above stated figure seems to me as an absurd.
Of course,laser block can be replaced,but is it always available??(might be discontinued)
and what the cost is? + the hassle of the whole procedure.
Going for more affordable(brand new) cd transport and spending the big money for top class DAC seems to be a better idea.
Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Thank you.
kdbg00
larryi
4,073 posts
 
If it is a very expensive piece of gear, I would consult with the manufacturer about availability of parts or whole assemblies. Most long term manufacturers will have an inventory, but even that may not last. If you are really committed to a particular model, you might even buy spare transport/laser parts.

I personally think that digital is fairly mature technology and some older models are quite competitive. A lot of older DAC chips are better than what is currently available. Manufacturers have to stop using these chips when they are no longer made unless they have purchased a huge inventory or are making a small number of elite products. For example, Zanden and Naim use legacy chips for this very reason -- better sound.

Almost all manufacturers have to go with whatever chips and transports that are currently on the market. The priority for the chip manufacturers is NOT high end audio. Each "improvement" in a chip, warranting a new model, is usually emphasizing smaller size and lower power consumption (for use in mobile devices).
elevick
2,638 posts
 
Since you are getting the DAC, try it with a mid range dvd player or similar first. Don't buy a big chunky older unit unless you can hear the difference. A 5 year old unit through your DAC may sound no better than a small newer unit through the same DAC.

On another note, I have a Partsconnexion modded Music Hall that will crush anything under $2000. Consider buying a modded unit from them or underwood and skip the DAC?
detlof
1,899 posts
 
According to the experience I have made with the Zanden combo, the dcs chain and Steve Nugent's USB DAC, I completely agree with Shadorne. I would follow his advice, if I were you and put PC audio into the equation even if it at first complicates things for you. According to my ears it is well worth the trouble. You could, for example, start with a good DAC and get a TRENDS USB SPIF converter for little money and experiment. There is a good chance, that you might be so pleased, that you won't need a transport at all.
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mizuno
59 posts
 
is a DAC much better in terms of D to A conversion than a good pre-amp/ integrated amp?
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