2. digital
  3. 1066249047

$250-$400 CD player recommendations?

Am in the process of looking for a CD player in the $250-$400 range. Eithe new or used is OK. My preference is toward more detailed / spatial qualities, and of course good low end def. and non-harsh vocals/brass. I enjoy ambient/electronica, classical, jazz, rock, blues. Also, SACD, HDCD, coax digital out, would all be good pluses.

Have been reading the posts in the 'Best CD Player For The Money' thread and have started to form a partial list of specific players and some others. Would like to hear some additional input on what is the best bet at this point in time in this price range (the other thread is a bit older and spans a wider $$ range). Additional suggestions are welcomed.


Rega Planet
Cambridge D500SE
NAD C541i
Sony SCD-C333ES
Arcam
Marantz

TIA,
Chris
cdelplato
steelhead
318 posts
 
I would say the Sony 333 is a excellent non-fatiguing player for the price range. It has a digital filter that allows adjustment to redbook playback. It also has SACD and I just love listening to Pink Floyd, Patricia Barber, Bob Dylan, and Muddy Waters on SACD.

Try to listen to all the recommendations, but be sure to bring a couple of SACD's to spin and draw your own conclusions.

Have Fun
imin2u
392 posts
 
I highly recommend the Phillips 963SA ($424 delivered) for CD playback. The 192 oversampling is switchable and really sounds great. Some here have said it lacks a little low end definition but if you want that I would get an original Planet ($350 delivered). It is very musical and a bit "warmer" but it doesn't play SACD's and is less expensive.
subaruguru
1,375 posts
 
The new C542BEE in November. Hang on.
cdelplato OP
110 posts
 
10-16-03: Subaruguru
The new C542BEE in November. Hang on.

Any idea what the price will be? What will it have over the C541i ??

CD
mhedges
180 posts
 
Also consider the sony SCD-C222ES player. It has multichannel capability, which the 333 does not have.

Mark
More to discover