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Seeking Budget CD Player Suggestions

I also posted this question in another forum. A friend of mine has an early 90s era Mac CD player which is on its last legs. Great player in its day, but he is on a budget (around $500) and needs to replace it, preferably new, dealer demo, open box, etc. Rotel CD-11 and Marantz CD-6007 have been suggested as top picks in that price range. Any other suggestions, ideas, reasoning for a particular model? If Rotel, would the Tribute or Mk. II edition be preferable? 

chrken
elliottbnewcombjr
5,186 posts
 

Integra 3.4, open box, $300.

 

Download 'one sheet' for Full Specs Found Here

 

My conclusion: the sound is a combo, like a salad, of the dual wolfson dacs combined with: over-clocking, error correction, filters, brand specific gizmos like Onkyo’s VLSC.

This model sounded better than the 8 others I tried. IF no SACD is needed, it is a terrific sounding player, with the advantage of it’s 6 disc feature.

frl
17 posts
 

Another vote for Rotel cd11. I was really surprised how good it sounded using the internal DAC. 

troutstreamnm
20 posts
 

I own a Marantz CD6007 and it’s excellent and reasonably affordable new. I’m planning to upgrade shortly so it could be listed on Audiogon soon 🙂

vthokie83
647 posts
 

If money is the major concern. The Onkyo C-7030 is a really good entry level CD player for the $250 it costs. If he has a DAC, the Audiolab 6000CDT is an excellent entry level CD transport (no DAC)

chrken OP
11 posts
 

I want to thank everyone for your thoughtful recommendations. We'll probably do some serious evaluations this coming weekend and then decide which way to go.

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