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High End CDP's that play CD-R & CD-RW's?

I'm in the market for a new (to me, but probably used) CD player in the $2K range (give or take) that will also play CD's that are made on a CD recorder such as a Marantz, HHB, Tascam, etc. I'm very interested in a Meridian 508.24, but also would consider BAT, ARC, Cary 303-200, possibly the Electrocompanient, or Muse etc.

Any advice would be appreciated!
steveaudio
kichoi
79 posts
 
Try Sony SCD-XA777ES. It's a find single box CDP, not to mention being one of the best 2CH SACD, and MCH SACD player, IMHO of course.
buckingham
333 posts
 
In my experience, the ability of CD players to play CD-R's is usually dependent on the MEDIA and not on the actual transport. It is very important to have correct recording and a blank that has good enough reflectivity. I've had luck with the better Sony 80 min CD-R's. The cheapo CD-R's won't play most of the time... The CD-RW's usually don't play on CD only players because of the extremely low reflectivity of the disk. I have seen them work in SACD players and cheaper Yamaha's though.
precbsed
49 posts
 
I recently upgraded from a Denon DCD1650AR to a Meridian 508.24. The difference was overwhelming. While both players are capable of playing CD-R and CD-RW, sonically the 508 easily surpassed the 1650 across the board.
kthomas
911 posts
 
There are definitely players that can't play CDR / CDRW based on the transport in them. As Buckingham points out, there are also instances where some will play, some won't. I have used a Sony DVD player as a transport for quite some time and regularly play CDRs on it - never a problem.

The Sony XA777ES suggestion above is certainly a good one for all the reasons listed. You should be able to get one brand new for about your target price (try www.oade.com). The latest rev. of the Muse Model 9 can play those formats as well as MP3. It's a great sounding player and doubles as a DVD player if that's of interest. It doesn't do SACD which, if that appeals to you, probably makes the Sony a better choice. The Muse is also more expensive - for a used Model 9 Signature, you're looking at $2500-2800. Money well spent in my opinion, but more than you're looking to spend possibly. -Kirk

sc53
718 posts
 
I have a Sony DVD player that won't play CDRs at all, even Sony media. My Electrocompaniet EMC-1 and Marantz SA-1 play all CDRs, no matter the brand of blank disk. An older Marantz 67SE also plays CDRs. You need to try a recorded CDR on the machine you're thinking of buying, esp. if it's a Sony.
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