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Considerations when buying older CD player

I'm seeking some input from folks in the know about CDP transports, repairs, etc.

Suppose one is looking at buying an older CD player -- let's say, just to pick one I've checked out -- that we are talking about the Naim CDX. Now, suppose further that I read up on it and learn, to quote from the Stereophile review:

"Based on Philips CD7 parts and components, the CDX features a Philips VAM 1205 transport. An SAA 7376 servo-controller chip controls the transport, converts what the laser "sees" into digital data, and performs error correction."

Is this good news or bad news? Simply put, if one buys a used Naim CDX and it poops out, are replacement parts -- transport and laser and all the rest of the stuff that might break -- likely to be available, or is one left with a useless, and not inexpensive, piece of junk?

(Note to those who'd write to say that thinking about CD players is yesterday's news, that I ought to be into streaming and computer audio and high res and all the rest: I've been doing all of that for years now. But that's not my question. My question, for which I'd love an answer from someone who knows and understands, is how to know if one is buying a CDP that can be fixed when it conks out, which it eventually will.)

Thanks very much.

Warm regards,

-- Howard
hodu
rockanroller
56 posts
 
Zd542
In some cases I have to agree with your logical explanation. But the fact remain that , to satisfy the accountants, engineers today have to cut cost when building cd players, unless you start looking in machines that are in the upper level of costs, meaning a few thousand dollars.After reading the explanation, I removed the top of my cd player, and ,still, a lot of the weight is actually parts. The technician who upgraded it as been working on HiFi equipment for the better part of 30 years, is certified from different brands, and he mentioned that vintage cd players might be outdated, but as transport, they are still excellent.
Regards.
hodu OP
316 posts
 
Thanks for your considered replies, folks -- they are much appreciated.

-- Howard
sfar's avatar
sfar
1,761 posts
 
I would echo Elevick's comment that you consider an external DAC and your transport of choice. It's been my experience that the DAC and its output stage have more to do with the quality of the sound than the disc spinner and pickup.

It seems that a great deal of the R&D and innovation in audio systems lately has been focused on digital to analog conversion. There are great DACs available these days for not too much money. Pick up one of those tried and true players with a solid transport and digital output and couple it with a state of the art DAC. when the transport dies - as they all eventually do - get another one.
yahoochaz
67 posts
 
Another possibility is a good multi-disc player with a DAC dedicated to the 2 ch function. Oppo BDP-95 and 105 come to mind. There are both new and newer units on the market and good tech support to boot. You have to be the judge of SQ but to my ears, they do an excellent job. Good luck.
talk2me's avatar
talk2me
325 posts
 
I have tried the Oppo route from the 95 to 103 to a ModWright Oppo 105. This coming from Marantz, Mnintosh MCD500, GNSC Wadia S7i and Burmester 089. I now own a ModWright Elyse DAC. I tried a EAD CD-1000 as a transport (for a week) and the sound combination was the best digital I have ever heard. But, no parts are available for the EAD, so I returned it, and now am looking at a mint Esoteric DV-60 as cd transport. I love the sound of a cd system, when done right. I also use my MacBook Pro with Audirvana.
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