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New Budget CD Player

Hello All,

My Rotel 855 CD player is getting quite long in the tooth and I'd like to replace it. While I realize that I could get a DAC and use the Rotel as a transport, its age makes me wonder whether that would result in my having to get a new player in a relatively short period of time anyway.

I have read encouraging things about the Onkyo C-S5VL, as well as equivalent models from Marantz and Denon (all around $350-$400) and wonder if any of you are familiar with these units or if there are others I should be looking at.

Buying used is always tempting, but at this price point, I don't know that anything I could afford would give me reliability and good sound. In the Philadelphia area, audio repair is a dying art and older higher end parts are not easy to come by.

In any case, I'd appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks.

Sony WEGA 32FS13, Rotel CD855 CD Player, Oppo BDP-80 Blu-Ray / DVD Player, NAD T-163 pre/pro, Front /Center Amp: Emotiva XPA-3, Rear Amp: Emotiva UPA-2,
Front Speakers: Klipsch KG-4 (1986), Rear Speakers: Acculine A-1 (2009), Center Speaker: Emotiva ERM-1(2009), Sub: Dali S 1.2 (2008)
opteron05
opteron05 OP
16 posts
 
As usual, you all come up with a bunch for me to do and I thank you for all the ideas!

Just for clarity, I am reluctant to use the video source for audio since I want to keep things simple. I've been careful to wire things so that I don't have to turn on the HT just to watch TV: an approach my wife prefers as well.

If I may add here, I appreciate your "modding" approach, Kotta - I am bit cautious about doing electrical work inside the box, but I'll see what's involved...
craig_hoch
65 posts
 
Opteron, I'm using an Oppo DV-980h connected to a CAL Sigma DAC, which I retubed with a NOS 1960 British made Mullard 12ax7 tube. The results are better than than the sound of my $1800 Doge 6 Tube CDP. In fact I sold the Doge, it sounded laid back by comparison. CAL Sigma & Alpha DACs come up for sale on A'gon regularly but you have to act fast-they well within two hours of posting.
kotta's avatar
kotta
649 posts
 
I just opened up my 855 and unless you move the transformer(which I did) the IEC chassis plug is a tight fit (vertical mounting w/the factory transformer location or horizontally mounted w/the transformer relocated.)Replacing the stock chassis RCA plugs is a relatively easy job. You can use the stock wire. (I replaced this as well w/something better sounding, but the circuit board must be removed in order to solder/resolder.) If you don't feel comfortable, do not attempt. By all means do open it up, you will be impressed w/the quality. BTW, the Cary looks very nice. Regards, Bill
opteron05 OP
16 posts
 
Thanks for the blow by blow description of the mod, Bill. Just now, I want to hold off on trying that and see what else might be available.

The Cary is certainly tempting, albeit above budget, considering the other things I want to do to the system, but I plan to look into it and see what might be out there.

I note that Emotiva has announced that their yet to be released DAC will be coming in around $400, so that may be worth considering. Since they offer a 30 day trial, it gives me a chance to see what a DAC can offer without tying myself up. in a pinch, I can always hook up an unused DVD player until I can find a replacement transport.

Love / hate this hobby!!!
garn509
98 posts
 
Hamms006 ,

"Budget" is relative?
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