View Full Version : New CD player anyone got any suggestions?
Not checked my bank account since Nov 2018 but had a look the other day and seems like I've got a bit more cash than I thought. So I am going to splurge on a new cd player.
I know everyone likes streaming and that now but I'm not interested in all the faff. Looking for suggestions up to a grand. Might consider second-hand but really want something new as I'm sick of the stupid things dying on me. Don't want anything with valves in it otherwise anything considered. Doesn't have to use up all the budget. Would appreciate some suggestions so I can make a short list.
walpurgis
26-04-2020, 12:19
If it was me buying new, I'd definitely be looking at Rega CD players. They tend to sound decent and at least you can get the things serviced in the UK without hassle.
Not checked my bank account since Nov 2018 but had a look the other day and seems like I've got a bit more cash than I thought. So I am going to splurge on a new cd player.
I know everyone likes streaming and that now but I'm not interested in all the faff. Looking for suggestions up to a grand. Might consider second-hand but really want something new as I'm sick of the stupid things dying on me. Don't want anything with valves in it otherwise anything considered. Doesn't have to use up all the budget. Would appreciate some suggestions so I can make a short list.
no faff with streaming if done right mate, but cd's are ok too. Oppo multi players are very good.(alas not made now)so second hand..
Like Oppo but as you say no longer made. Can't stand Rega Cd players, sound like turntables. Bad turntables.
Haselsh1
26-04-2020, 13:07
Martin, I've just bought a Denon DCD2500NE SACD/CD player so I am obviously going to recommend it ;)
Martin, I've just bought a Denon DCD2500NE SACD/CD player so I am obviously going to recommend it ;)
I like Denon and it looks good but it's a grand and a half. That's a bit too spendy for me.
It's a transport rather than a player but Cyrus CDT?
https://www.whathifi.com/cyrus/cd-t/review
Got mine off ebay minus the remote but my Marantz remote operates it.
Might go for a DAC and transport Ray, it's on the list - Cambridge CXC and a Topping.
Also been looking at the Yammy CDS1000, Cambridge AXC35 and the Denon DCD1600NE
AJSki2fly
26-04-2020, 15:48
Not checked my bank account since Nov 2018 but had a look the other day and seems like I've got a bit more cash than I thought. So I am going to splurge on a new cd player.
I know everyone likes streaming and that now but I'm not interested in all the faff. Looking for suggestions up to a grand. Might consider second-hand but really want something new as I'm sick of the stupid things dying on me. Don't want anything with valves in it otherwise anything considered. Doesn't have to use up all the budget. Would appreciate some suggestions so I can make a short list.
Cyrus CD i but just over £1K, nothing to disk-like :D
Mitchell & Johnson S800 Black CD Player
Audiolab 8300CD
Cambridge Audio AZUR 851C once again over £1K but lots to offer can be used as DAC as well, probably best VFM and great sound
What about a new old stock player like this:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sony-CDP-X339ES-High-End-CD-Player-mit-Holzwangen-OVP-NEU-2J-Garantie/373031833921?hash=item56da6e1141:g:zUUAAOSwtzJeY~4 h
What about a new old stock player like this:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sony-CDP-X339ES-High-End-CD-Player-mit-Holzwangen-OVP-NEU-2J-Garantie/373031833921?hash=item56da6e1141:g:zUUAAOSwtzJeY~4 h
I already have a Sony X505ES though, which needs re-aligning. That one you linked to is way over-priced. I wouldn't pay more than £350 for it. I'll look at your other suggestions (except the 851C, I had an 850C and didn't like it at all. Very mushy and warm. Bought it new too, I took a bath on that one).
Cambridge CXC
Just sold one of those, the Cyrus is better (imo) but more expensive.
Haselsh1
26-04-2020, 16:47
I like Denon and it looks good but it's a grand and a half. That's a bit too spendy for me.
OK mate :thumbsup:
Opti-cal
26-04-2020, 17:04
My old man had the Cambridge CXN connected to a NOS dac. Superb bit of kit. I'd get one and pair it with a Topping D90. Not heard one yet but Alan (firebottle)'s not usually wrong.... Plus I can vouch for the Topping house sound, had 4 or 5 of the lower models.
Very neutral sound, no "warm/bright/analogue" or other such descriptions, they're just good. Measure VERY well, although granted that's not the whole story.
Those two should come in under a grand.... Until you buy a cable to link them......
My old man had the Cambridge CXN connected to a NOS dac. Superb bit of kit. I'd get one and pair it with a Topping D90. Not heard one yet but Alan (firebottle)'s not usually wrong.... Plus I can vouch for the Topping house sound, had 4 or 5 of the lower models.
Very neutral sound, no "warm/bright/analogue" or other such descriptions, they're just good. Measure VERY well, although granted that's not the whole story.
Those two should come in under a grand.... Until you buy a cable to link them......
£1400 for that combo though. And the CXN has loads of stuff I'd never use.
Opti-cal
26-04-2020, 17:12
£1400 for that combo though. And the CXN has loads of stuff I'd never use.
Apologies I meant CXC (transport not streamer). It's just a transport, nowt else on it.
CXC is unavailable now though, think it has been discontinued.
Audio Al
26-04-2020, 18:18
Martin , Try sending HiFi Dave a pm and ask him if he can ask around the trade , see whats available CD player wise .
Must be some dealers with quality new CD units they would like to sell at a decent price .
vinylspinner
26-04-2020, 18:31
Hi Martin,
I have a very nice OPPO BDT-101CI Universal transport that is available. I’ve sent you a pm.
Nigel
Someone was selling a Arcam cd23 a while back, its a fine machine that sells cheap.
Mystic Mac
26-04-2020, 18:50
The Audiolab 6000cdt is brilliant (to me anyway), new only £379 ish
Hi Martin,
I have a very nice OPPO BDT-101CI Universal transport that is available. I’ve sent you a pm.
Nigel
Hi Nigel, I just replied to your PM.
This is a good unit, but collection could be a problem Martin.
https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?66146-Pioneer-PDS-904-in-timewarp-condition
walpurgis
27-04-2020, 11:27
This is a good unit, but collection could be a problem Martin.
https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?66146-Pioneer-PDS-904-in-timewarp-condition
I'd buy that myself if I was in the market for another player.
I'd buy that myself if I was in the market for another player.
I was tempted but it's the other end of the country for me.
InThe Sticks
27-04-2020, 12:07
I already have a Sony X505ES though, which needs re-aligning. That one you linked to is way over-priced.
Hi Martin, and sorry to jump in on your thread.
I've got a X555ES which is a bit erratic at reading discs and wondered if it may be the lens alignment. Is it easy to do on the Sony players?
Hi Martin, and sorry to jump in on your thread.
I've got a X555ES which is a bit erratic at reading discs and wondered if it may be the lens alignment. Is it easy to do on the Sony players?
The problem with mine is it drops out so you get a split second of silence and then the music resumes. That's nothing to do with the laser it's a calibration issue. To recalibrate you need the service manual and an oscilloscope. Needless to say I haven't got round to that :).
If yours is failing to read some discs that could be a sign that the laser power has dropped too low. There's no solution to that other than a replacement laser but the Sony lasers you see advertised on eBay et al are apparently fakes and will fail very quickly so a waste of time.
Have a read of this thread, it tackles pretty much every problem you will ever get with a cd player https://www.audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/troubleshooting-cd-players.440522/
This is a good unit, but collection could be a problem Martin.
https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?66146-Pioneer-PDS-904-in-timewarp-condition
In lovely condition but as you say collection just not possible. Not even in normal times as I've no car and Surrey is a long way!
I have arranged to buy Nigel's Oppo player, he's shipping it to me so I'll see how that works out, might buy a DAC, probably a Topping, and use the Oppo as a transport, don't know yet.
Thanks to everyone for the suggestions and offers, much appreciated.
In lovely condition but as you say collection just not possible. Not even in normal times as I've no car and Surrey is a long way!
I have arranged to buy Nigel's Oppo player, he's shipping it to me so I'll see how that works out, might buy a DAC, probably a Topping, and use the Oppo as a transport, don't know yet.
I just pulled the trigger on a Topping D90.
Gets a good review on ASR and Alan(Firebottle) was impressed with his.
I just pulled the trigger on a Topping D90.
Gets a good review on ASR and Alan(Firebottle) was impressed with his.
It does measure superbly well. I fancy the RME ADI2 though, with the DSP function.
It does measure superbly well. I fancy the RME ADI2 though, with the DSP function.
What DSD function is that Martin?
RME are very evasive about the actual DSD level the ADI 2 will process.
Trawling their website and the product manual, the highest level mentioned is DSD256 and the NativeDSD Database seems to confirm this is the highest level.
The Topping D90 goes up to Native DSD512 on USB and i2s inputs and DoP DSD256 on USB.
EDIT: Ha Ha I just spotted you said DSP not DSD.
Be aware "During a DSD playback all DSP functions of all channels are temporarily disabled, even when transmitting PCM". Quote from the manual.
What DSD function is that Martin?
RME are very evasive about the actual DSD level the ADI 2 will process.
Trawling their website and the product manual, the highest level mentioned is DSD256 and the NativeDSD Database seems to confirm this is the highest level.
The Topping D90 goes up to Native DSD512 on USB and i2s inputs and DoP DSD256 on USB.
EDIT: Ha Ha I just spotted you said DSP not DSD.
Be aware "During a DSD playback all DSP functions of all channels are temporarily disabled, even when transmitting PCM". Quote from the manual.
Bloody acronyms! That's no problem for me as I've no use for DSD whereas the DSP could be really handy.
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