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Replacement CD on a tight budget?

Hello, all,

After some time away from audio due to apartment reasons, I finally have some time to reassemble a system. At this point, it consists only of an Audio Refinement Complete Alpha integrated and a pair of Boston Acoustics Bravos, wall mounted. Due to space reasons, I cannot use other speakers or equipment.

In any case, I'd been pairing my Oppo DV-80H with the Alpha and playing with the video stage shut down, but have never had much love for the unit - in terms of video performance in another system (already in for repair once, free), and in terms of audio: this morning, it began not playing redbooks, and also exhibited problems ejecting, forwarding, stopping, powering off, etc: basically everything.

The problem is that my budget is in the $100-$150 range. What's available that I should consider - both used (links to Audiogon adverts would be appreciated) or (ghasp!) new?
ivyinvestor
ivyinvestor OP
37 posts
 
Hi,

Thanks for the responses so far.

Not sure if I can make it to $200. Might be flexible up to the cost of the original player - $170. I'll try to read more about these Denons this evening...

Thanks, and please keep any opinions coming. ;)

Best,
Geoff
mjcmt's avatar
mjcmt
711 posts
 
I bought a Denon DVD-1930CI to replace my Oppo DV-970HD. The Denon is better on music and movies to the Oppo. The current Denon DVD-1940CI or a Pioneer Elite DV-48V should out perform your older Pioneer.
dcrugby
96 posts
 
my favorite inexpensive cd player is a ps1 (the first model of them, that is, with the rca outputs - model scph-1001, i believe).

you can usually get them for 20-40 bucks on the auction site who must not be named, and they are just a he** of a lot of fun.

they are the most "analog" sounding cd player i've heard for under $750 or so. they resolve detail pretty well, but their best trait is that they are musical. i listen to a lot of rock and the ps1 makes the bad recordings that most rock albums are sound quite good (and better than my more expensive transport).

stick a ps audio power punch c7 cord on one for $50 more and they sound even better.

good luck!
cleaneduphippy
323 posts
 
About the only thing I see on the Audiogon sale pages that would fit your budget is an Oppo dvd 981hd for $130. Truth be told at your price point, pickings are going to be slim. Occasionally you'll find an older Denon, NAD, or Rotel in your price range, so it might worthwhile to check the listing daily. Also, remember in most cases you'll have to budget some additional monies for shipping cost. Also, you might want to check some pawn shops, music/audio stores, in your area. Every now and then, you can come up with a good and affordable find.
pgawan2b
122 posts
 
I am in a similar situation...looking for a player to play all formats with the exception of Blu-Ray or HD.

I'm intrigued by the Denon 2930 recommendation. I would consider the 2930 to be old (3-4 years), particularly in terms of electronic technology...even at $200. For less money, I think you can get newer technology even if you buy new. Perhaps using the 2930 as a transport and purchasing an external DAC (later when the upgrade bug hits) will provide the excellent video and sound for which you are looking.

The Oppo you mentioned, 980H, is a newer model with a considerable number of improvements over the 970, including an upgrade to the DAC. I've owned the 970 before and while I was very impressed with the video, I too was not impressed with the audio. Another thing to remember, the Oppo 980H is actually a newer model than the 981.

FWIW - I'm leaning toward a 980H now and adding an external DAC later.
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