2. digital
  3. 1250187004

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
knownothing
1,683 posts
 
Do you want CD or DVD/CD player?

For CD only - look at used NAD, Rotel, Cambridge or Sony ES players as suggested above. ebay is going to be another potential source for this type of purchase if selection limited on Agon.

For DVD - suggestions above are great. My guess is that used market for Denon 29X0 just tanked if you can buy a new 2930 for $200!!! Look for one of that series used and pound them on the price - very good overall player, although older versions wont upscale video if that is important to you. Maybe not quite as good on CD sound as dedicated CD players from the above manufacturers, but truly outstanding video for the $$$.

As suggested above, a used Oppo 970 will sound pretty good and will play movies too.

I have a little Toshiba DVD player in one of my systems my wife found at the Good Will for $25 bucks and the sound on CDs and DVDs is adequate while the component video output is great. I would not recommend this for your main CD player, but could provide video at a very reasonable price, leaving most of your dosh for a good used CDP.
ivyinvestor OP
37 posts
 
Hey, folks,

Thanks for the continuing stream of thoughts re: this modest-priced replacement.

I actually don't mind losing video capabilities at all, as we were planning to hook up this kit as audio only.

I'll continue to look into available Cambridge, Rotel, NAD, and S. ES options ... Maybe something nice will come of this.

Best,
Geoff
mjcmt's avatar
mjcmt
711 posts
 
Another option is a vintage CD Player like the Magnavox CDB-492. What makes this 1989 CD player so special? How about being made by Philips utilizing the TDA1543 dual 16 bit DAC and Philips CDM4/19 swing are transport w/ glass lens.

The 1543 DAC has been rediscovered and is used in many high-end players of today like 47 Lab and Opera Audio. Acclaimed for its analogue ease of presentation w/ outstanding detail and bass.

The transport is the same one used by many high-end players of its day like Meridian.

Before this the vintage players used a 14-bit Dac or the earlier 1541 dac. Both exhibited a softer and less detailed sound. After this every thing went to the lesser 1 bit and 18 bit dacs.

This Magnavox and the equivalent Philips model are the crème le crème of vintage players.
pescolar
128 posts
 
Like what Crugby said ...PS1 ...first model will do good.Actually Ps Audio power punch c7 cord is on sale for $29.99 plus shipping is about $42.00...You will be amaze and it is really sounding good and lot's of fun to listen with.
More to discover