Which Used CD Player for Under $1,500?


I have narrowed my choices to the following:

Arcam FMJ CD23
Musical Fidelity A-3.2
Cary CD-303-100
Cary CD-308T
Shanling CD-T100

Which would you select and why? Open to other suggestions.

randal05
I would add the Quad 99 CDP (not the older Quad 99) to your list. $1495 new and about $850-1000 used. It can be used CD direct saving you big money on a pre-amp (if you have a single source system) and it has 6 additional digital inputs, so its 24bit/192khz DAC can be used with other digital sources you may have (DVD player, digital cable box, etc).

I've owned lots of high end CD players and the Quad is probably the best value of the bunch.

Enjoy,

TIC
The only player I am familiar with on your list is the Musical Fidelity a3.2. I have one, along with the a3.2 integrated amp. It has a fine sound with a solid build quality. I have noticed some on Audiogon for a good price.
I would recommend the Arcam with the dCS Ring DAC. Once you get used to non-grainy CDs with the Ring DAC, everything else sounds a bit harsh. And they are also very dynamic. I'm sure the other recommendations are worthy, but the Ring DAC is my favorite Redbook CD playback source.
Good luck in your search,
Ed
Check www.underwoodhifi.com for the Jolida JD 100 stock and modded units could be your ticket. Also check his modded Music Hall CD 25 and the Shandling. I have the stock Jolida. I love it for the money. Don't forget the Creek, Arcam, and possibly the Rega unit at your price point.