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Budget CDP: Cambridge 640c, Marantz CD5003, what?

I have a close friend whose JVC 1010, which I gave him years ago, has finally died (after 20 years!). His system is vintage Vandersteen 2's with an Eagle amp and Bryston pre. It's a lively-sounding system, but he's not at all an audiophile. He is resisting my suggestions to spend decent money to replace the JVC, so I'm looking at CDPs in the $400 range. The Cambridge and Marantz seem like safe bets, but I have no idea what they sound like and which would pair best with his system. The JVC was very clean-sounding with a slightly elevated and thin treble and a lean bass. Something that is not a huge departure from that would probably be safest. He wants reliability and longevity. SACD not desired. Thoughts?
Ag insider logo xs@2xdrubin
grinnell
1,110 posts
 
Good used Music Hall CD25 or 25.2. I have one and love the sound.
facten
2,884 posts
 
Marantz CD5003 - pretty nice sounding across the spectrum - wouldn't characrterize it as 'lean' in either department
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hoopster
184 posts
 
Music Hall is a good safe bet, I have one in my bedroom but at what you can get a Denon 3910 for used now that is what I would do. Even though SACD playback is not important to you, the 3910 is a very respectable sounding CD player and of course is a very good DVD player.
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cleaneduphippy
323 posts
 
Drubin,

I'm guessing your friend is more into buying a NEW affordable player, than a used player which one would find on Audiogon (although I think you CAN get the best "bang for the buck" by buying used on Audiogon). Now if that's the case, then perhaps people around here should be focusing on what NEW affordable "redbook" players that are out there that offer some "audiophile" qualities for those in the "affordable audio" camp. And in using the term "affordable" let's focus on what's available in the sub $500 catagory. Certainly Marantz, Cambridge Audo and NAD, and perhaps some others have units that might fit the bill, so be curious to have a little "compare and contrast" on what's out on the market nowadays. Truth be told, there are lot of people who enjoy good sounding units, that don't have "deep pockets".
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