What are the best CD-changers?

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the Adcom GCD-700. With dual Burr-Brown 20-bit DACs these changers sound great on their own. The build quality and heft aren't quite on par with the CAL changer but they sound great and they're very decent especially when you consider the price. If you need better, you can always add and external DAC but I use mine stand-alone. It out performs the CAL Icon MKII single-disk player that I once owned.

For another option, you might want to check some of the other threads here concerning CD player modifications.

A number of people have reported success with modified mass-market changers. I have not myself listened to these, though I may in fact buy one soon. There are several people who reportedly do a very good job with these modifications.

-- Eric

sctazmon: the answers to your questions, from my admittedly biased point of view, are: (1) yes; (2) no. -kelly

For using a changer as a transport for a DAC, the best bang for the buck is a $89 Aiwa at Best Buy. For a player the above recommendations are good at their price points, plus the Rotel with the same Burr Brown chip.

I totaly agree with sugarbrie's advice. I personally know six audiophiles (plus myself) that have systems that cost over $10k, which use the Awia transport/ MSB (modified) set-up. Its really that good!