Annoying newbie CD/SACD player question
I am still using my Sony 5 disc carousel CD player that I bought in 1992. I have loved this thing for years and years. Recently it started skipping. I cured that with some budget isolation feet from Amazon. After about a year it’s starting to act up again, not being able to register that a CD is in the tray. Turning it off and on fixed that but even without the recent problem I’ve been looking for a replacement for a while now.
I have around maybe 25 hybrid SACD’s and have always wanted to try the format. The only SACD player I can afford new is the Arcam CDS50. I’ve also looked at a used Marantz 8005 SACD player and various used Sony’s. On the other hand I’m thinking of just forgetting about SACD and I’m primarily looking at the Cambridge transport and the Audiolab 600cdt. I would consider the new Audiolab CDT models as well. Part of me wants to scratch my SACD itch. I think the Marantz used is the best option. It’s a recent model so likely still a lot of life left in it. Looking at gut shots it seems much better built than the Arcam. Am I wrong about that? As far as the Cd transport option It seems that the Audiolab is the best bang for the buck with the only downside being the slot loading mechanism that scratches some people’s discs.
I’m having a hard time deciding which avenue to take. I guess, like most people, I’m looking for the most bang for the buck. Sorry for the rambling post. I thought maybe it would instigate some suggestions to help me with my decision. Thanks
Off-topic a bit, but while this thread is discussing CD players, Does anyone know if any of the newer players or transports do gapless playback? (I would not personally buy one that does not.) Also I have an older Ayre sacd player that no longer reads the sacd layer of the discs. but plays Redbook cd's flawlessly. Is the laser weakening or possibly dirty?(Never cleaned) 🤔 Any thoughts/comments on this is much appreciated! |
@arcam88 some CD players or transports play gaplessly, while others do not. I know all Denon players play gaplessly which is why I bought one. Best to consult the manual or even better to seek out reviews or ask someone who owns one to be sure. It is infuriating that here in 2024 we have to dig and do research for a "feature" that just "was" in the 1980s and 1990s. CDs are recorded as one long file and a "schema" is used to tell the laser where the beginning and end of each tracks are, so there's no good reason for a CD player to not be gapless, but with the use of cheap "computer drives and software" today, we have to be careful and not just assume that. |
I have bought several used Multi players over the last 10 years starting with a Yamaha, then a Denon. They both died after around 8-12 months. I then got an OPPO DV870. A little later I saw a N.O.S. OPPO BDP-95. I bought it and now can play Blu Ray Audio. I was able to save and got Denafrips Venus II. I am in an Audiophile heaven and will never give up my Discs. It took 8 years of upgrading every couple years, but I am glad I did not settle for OK Chinese FI. I just got Excellent Singapore Fi. For my space, may physical ability I LOVE CD's Usually from Discogs, and Ebay. |
