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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
trelja
3,224 posts
 
Tom, while I don't have any experience with any other changer so I don't know if it is slow in comparison or not, it is a bit slower than I would consider ideal. Though, not nearly as bad as the early Sony SACD ES (SCD-1 and SCD777ES) players I listened to when the format first broke.
perose
40 posts
 
Take a look at the new Sony SCD-C2000ES. All indications are that it's a great performer and gives you SACD as well as a 5-disc changer.
khokugo
122 posts
 
Maybe too late a reply...

I would (which I actually am doing) get Squeezebox, rip all CDs into your PC's HD and play wirelessly. Squeezebox has digital out and can be conncected to your favorite DAC. The reason for me to get this set up is it is sometimes bothersome to change CDs from 100s of collection all the time. Some say Squeezebox is a top-notch "transporter". I have so far ripped 300 CDs and can play any of them on the fly.
clbeanz
192 posts
 
Exsistence of break in phenomenon has been hotly debated,I have been on both sides concerning perception of changes in a component or speakers.Only 'my' opinion follows.The point at which my new Rotel reached stasis via 'my' perception was over 100 hrs(roughly 130 discs).Sometimes I 'feel' it sounds even better at the over 200 disc mark but that impression is not 100% solid,it could be me and not the component.I 'feel' strongly although on the matter of unit passing that rough 100 hr figure improving steadily.Keep in mind that throughout introduction of the new piece into the system I tried cable changes and cones,and roller bearings which also raise some eyebrows.Someone else will have to chime in and clarify 'why?' 96k vs 44.1k at the digital out of a redbook cd machine.The way my understanding leans is redbook is 44.1k and there are dvd/redbook machines which output the higher rates for their dual format nature?I enjoy the single disc Rotels sound yet the buzz-kill now is getting up to change discs.I may still go the changer plus a Benchmark DAC1 route for the added enjoyment of interruption free multi disc listening sessions.
chevyman
1 posts
 
Hello,
I have an Pioneer CLD-460 Laser Disk Player, plays every CDR & CDRW I have. Sounds great, even better with external Dac and Monarchy SUPERDIP. I know this is old stuff, but has been rock solid and has outdone in sound every DVD player I have put against it, Harman Kardon, Onkyo, Sony, and lower end DENON. This LaserDisk has a toslink optical out, only. I have seen others CLD-401 that also have ESB/EDU out. Was going to update CD player until I got the Monarchy in the system. It made the Biggest difference in total sound stage. I know this is way below the items you are looking at, but hope it helps anyway. My system is connected to B&W 805's and it sound really good.
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