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I need a good quality CD player - with changer

I am updating my system and need some advice. I have Magnapan MG1.6 speakers and am looking to add a CD changer (don't ask why!) with digital output, DAC, and amplifier. For a DAC, I've pretty much settled on a used Bel Canto DAC2 or Birdland Odeon-ag version 1.1 (?) or newer. (If someone has a better idea on DAC's, I'd be glad to hear it.)

My question: It seems like I remember NAD, Parasound, and maybe Pioneer made CD changers with good transports - changers which also had digital output capabilities. I am only looking for a five (or so) disc changer that has a 96KHz output and is new enough to play CD-R's.

Any recommendations for a good sounding (used or new) changer to go with my new DAC? I'm flexible on price, but am looking to purchace closer to the $500 range than the $2000 range...

Thanks!
delsfan
delsfan OP
19 posts
 
Thanks for your advice; seems the Rotel would be a good choice to combine with a good integrated tube amp and the Maggies. Simple, and I could upgrade the system with the DAC later, as funds permit.

The Rotel RCC-1055 only has a coaxial digital output, should that cause concern if I plan to slide a DAC into the mix a short time later? Also, I assume the transport of the Rotel is adequate (or better)?

Thanks
clbeanz
192 posts
 
Of the most common digital outs Toslink or Coaxial I prefer Coax performance far more. BTW, 'Benchmark DAC-1'(usd$975)is getting many raves and the company does business direct with 30 day full return policy.I would try the Rotel sans dac till full break-in these are suprisingly decent changers.
Benchmark website
TAS and Stereophile among others have praised the little Benchmark
belyin
61 posts
 
No 96hz, but you might consider an Anthem (Sonic Frontiers) CD-1 changer(used.) It uses a tube buffer on the output, holds 6 cds, is very solidly built, and I find it very musical.
tomryan
796 posts
 
I have been using a Marantz 4000 OSE changer for about 3 years and it has performed flawlessly. Has the fastest action of any CD player I've seen. Changes discs in about 4 secs, literally. I also have an older (5 years) C.E.C. transport which maybe gives a little more solidity and maybe a tad more spaciousness than the Marantz but that's it. I keep them both on my rack and use the 4000 OSE probably 75% of the time since I love to program my own multi-artist concerts.

By the way, I use a Perp Tech P3A DAC with all WrightMods and have compared to Bel Canto DAC 2 which I owned. The Perp Tech is as good except in one area - DAC 2 has a bit more bass extension but the Perp Tech has a more extended high end. A trade off and since I have a subwoofer, I'm sticking with the Perp Tech but may audition some others but they'd have to be much better and, of course, more expensive. You can probably get a used PT w/ all mods for around $450.00 ($1,150.00 new).

The Benchmark does sound interesting but then so does a number of quite expensive DACs and it appears we have to spend a lot more to get a little more improvement.
trelja
3,224 posts
 
I highly recommend the Sony SCD-C333ES player, which I own.

It's a surprisingly good sounding Redbook CD changer on its own, with a lot more fullness, richness, and body than I ever expected. Also, the digital filters allow you to tailor the sound a bit. You'll certainly be able to use the digital out to your DAC if you choose, just like the other players. But, the SACD capability is DEFINITELY worthwhile, even if the format does not take over from CD.
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