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best used inexpensive cd only player

my ex wife got the mac 2275, b&w's, krell even though she wouldn't even know how to turn it on much less bias the tubes.

i am trying to construct an inexpensive system to hold me over for now. i got the cayin sp 10 and loaded it with sed winged c's, tung sol, and jj's. i got the hsu bookshelves and subwoofer, some canare speaker cable. now all i need is something inexpensive to play cd's....less than $500. i am finding quite a bit of NAD5xxBEE, Rotel, Cambridge, Adcom preowned. does anyone have a stong feeling as to which of these would be the best sounding, quality, and fit with my system or any other suggestions?
dopamine
magfan
1,583 posts
 
I don't know about any specific models, but I'd be leery of used CD players.
Sometimes parts / fix are problematic, even on some pretty $$$ players.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
A poor man is what many divorced men become. However, there is hope in a Sony 595 often available from SonyStyle as a refurb for $60, shipped. Hey if you don't like it they come get it for free with credit for the full price paid including shipping. Don't be fooled, it is better then some $1,000 players.
tobias
1,534 posts
 
I agree about the Music Halls, which are rebadged or BTO Shanlings. So add Shanling to your list. At their different price points their models were the ones to beat for years. I've owned three.

Another one to look for is the Hong Kong-based JAS Audio player. The company is better known for speakers and amps but they make one tubed CD player. I own one of these.

An alternative approach is what Arni suggests. A used Oppo would cost around a C-note and that leaves some over for a DAC (maybe a Valab) and a cable. A cable 1.5m in length, of course. Joe Mazzaglia makes a good inexpensive one.

Enjoy your new system!
shay123
72 posts
 
I would suggest u buy the cheapest oppo cd player. It wont cost u much new or used and its highly rated by the magazines. You could even get one that plays blue ray and DVD s as well for not a lot of money. I hope this helps u. Shay
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
Have to disagree with the tqo preceding posts. I've owned the Music Hall cdp and one of the clones and was not impressed at all.
As for the Oppo, if you want an inexpensive universal player it may be ok. But as a cdo it is just plain ordinary.
I'd look at the Rotel or NAD 542 suggested above.
Isn't this hobby funny? We can all own the same piece and come away with totally different views.
Real lesson, try whatever and see if it suits your taste.
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