Hifi or professional cd player - please advise

[fuyshe]

Hi,

I have old modest Sony cd player and I want to buy a new one.

I'm thinking between a rackmount professional cd player or hifi cd player (maybe Marantz cd5005).

The reason is that I really like the way pro cd players look.
And also, I have a lot of cd-r discs that I would play.

I have couple of questions?

1. Do pro cd players sound worse than hifi players (price range 200 - 300 eur)?
2. Do pro cd players read cd-r's faster and better than hifi cd players?
3. Are pros more reliable than hifi cd players?

Please advise on good pro cd player in that range (or maybe a bit more) if they are no worse quality and performance than hifi cd players.

Thank you

[Macca]

The answer to all three questions is 'Not necessarily' :)

IME them most important thing with any CD player is that it has separate power supplies for analogue, digital and drive sections.
For pro look at the top end Denons. But you are looking at around £500 second hand.

[fuyshe]

The answer to all three questions is 'Not necessarily' :)

IME them most important thing with any CD player is that it has separate power supplies for analogue, digital and drive sections.
For pro look at the top end Denons. But you are looking at around £500 second hand.

Thank you Macca.

My question was primarily because I read that some slot players have problems with slots and on the other hand some drawer players have problems with mechanism.

My setup is not high end:

- Sony CDP Xe220 (want to eliminate)
- Denon PMA360 (still good, maybe will buy a new one in the future)
- Linn Keilidh LS300 - they're good

My fear is that slots are maybe not very reliable for that price range (200 - 300e) as the ones 500+ euro
Also, if the sound quality is better on hifi I will choose that one.

So I guess it's all about reliability of cd mechanism and sound quality.

I only put cd and play, no need for some extra features.

If you guys have some proposal for either pro or hifi cd player, please advise.
Please have in mind that I'm not buying gear frequently.

Thanks

[fuyshe]

@Macca

I really don't know what separate power supplies for analogue, digital and drive sections means.
I guess i'm not into that that deep (maybe I wish I was).
Can you please give me more info on that?

Thanks

[Macca]

@Macca

I really don't know what separate power supplies for analogue, digital and drive sections means.
I guess i'm not into that that deep (maybe I wish I was).
Can you please give me more info on that?

Thanks

The mech that spins the CD needs power
The Digital to analogue converter needs power
The analogue output stage needs power.

On budget machines these are all fed from one internal power supply. This affects sound quality (IMO)

Better players have individual power supplies for the three different sections, consequently they sound better. (again IMO). If you research a player you can usually find the info regarding this. Manufacturers tend to mention it in the literature if they have provided discrete power supplies. If they don't mention it then they almost certainly haven't.

[Landloper]

Thank you Macca.

My question was primarily because I read that some slot players have problems with slots and on the other hand some drawer players have problems with mechanism.

My setup is not high end:

- Sony CDP Xe220 (want to eliminate)
- Denon PMA360 (still good, maybe will buy a new one in the future)
- Linn Keilidh LS300 - they're good

My fear is that slots are maybe not very reliable for that price range (200 - 300e) as the ones 500+ euro
Also, if the sound quality is better on hifi I will choose that one.

So I guess it's all about reliability of cd mechanism and sound quality.

I only put cd and play, no need for some extra features.

If you guys have some proposal for either pro or hifi cd player, please advise.
Please have in mind that I'm not buying gear frequently.

Thanks

Welcome to AoS.

The difficulty is that none of us can see into the future, so whichever type you choose, pro vs commercial, slot vs. drawer, there is no guarantee of the longeivity of the unit. Once the 12month warranty has expired you are on your own, if you have bought new that is.

I have cheap CDPs that I bought 13 years ago that are still going strong in all respects (£300-330 each), and had a rubbish experience with a CDP that cost £1100. but never managed to play red-book CDs consistently and was returned to the company three times for their technicians to correct before I just gave up and chucked it in the bin.

The best we can do is research particular models and choose on the basis of reviews, and by that i mean reviews written by people that have paid out their own money for something and have the lived with it for some time. The issue may not necessarily be what kind of player, just which is the best and most reliable model I can afford of any type.

Life is uncertain and even when we take the utmost care things can fail or go wrong.

[fuyshe]

Thank you Macca.

I guess I'll be looking for single power supply player, otherwise it will be expensive...

The question pro with slot-in vs drawer still stands...

I'm thinking about Tascam CD200, Marantz CD5005, Yahama CD300 or something like that for drawers and some Apart, Denon or Tascam for slot-ins.

[fuyshe]

Thank you Landloper.

In other words, somebody's experience with particular models would be helpful.

Thanks

[Macca]

Thank you Macca.

I guess I'll be looking for single power supply player, otherwise it will be expensive...

The question pro with slot-in vs drawer still stands...

I'm thinking about Tascam CD200, Marantz CD5005, Yahama CD300 or something like that for drawers and some Apart, Denon or Tascam for slot-ins.

I've had loads of cd players (still have about a dozen or so), if you have a budget in mind then I can recommend some if you want to buy used.

Brand new there is not many I would bother with under £1000.

There is also the option of keeping your Sony and buying a separate DAC.

Regards slot loading vs drawer - there's nothing intrinsically inferior about a slot-loading mech. Reliability is at least loosely linked to overall build quality, so a cheap player would be more likely to go bad sooner, regardless of the type of loading mech.

[hornucopia]

Blu-ray players? Pioneer BDP RX 91...a monster but built to last.

[fuyshe]

Thank all of you for your help.

I think I will go for a new player but @Macca, if it's not a bother for you, please recommend some used models, 200 - 300e.

Thanks

[fuyshe]

Thanks hornucopia, but out of my price range.

[Macca]

Thank all of you for your help.

I think I will go for a new player but @Macca, if it's not a bother for you, please recommend some used models, 200 - 300e.

Thanks

You won't go far wrong with one of these https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SONY-SCD-XB940QS-QS-range-Stereo-SACD-CD-Player-in-Silver-SERVICED/264910349071?hash=item3dade3230f:g:2ysAAOSwsYBfk0G F

XB790 QS and XB920 and XB930 are also good.

[fuyshe]

Thank you.

[Filterlab]

The Pioneer PD-S*** series of players are superb. Uber-solid stable platter mechanisms which were also used in Teac and Esoteric players. Great sounding, well made and reliable. Add a DAC as funds allow and you have an even more superb player.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/264886347392

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154053800436

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/193698009255

[RobbieGong]

What he said. I really like the Pioneer cdp sound

[Macca]

Two problems with those Pioneers - the build quality is significantly below the Sony QS range and the laser lenses have a habit of falling out. But they are good sounding I agree.

[RobbieGong]

Two problems with those Pioneers - the build quality is significantly below the Sony QS range and the laser lenses have a habit of falling out. But they are good sounding I agree.

Build yeah, only cause those are not one the Urushi Elites like the PD-91, built like tank!

And again, yep, brittle old glue detaching len's is a known prob on some of the Pioneers, if you dont avoid bumping them about or transport with care. (Although I am aware of lens's becoming detached on other cdp's )

[Macca]

Build yeah, only cause those are not one the Urushi Elites like the PD-91, built like tank!

And again, yep, brittle old glue detaching len's is a known prob on some of the Pioneers, if you dont avoid bumping them about or transport with care. (Although I am aware of lens's becoming detached on other cdp's )

Yesh the 91 is in a higher league, but they seem to be fetching around £800 or more which is just too much

[Macca]

For a professional CD player hard to beat the Technics SLP1200 for build or sound:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-Technics-SL-P1200-Professional-CD-Player-Working-Order-w-case-remote/224163242514?epid=1822793299&hash=item34312ba212:g:ZCYAAOSwHqdfZrfh

But I've had 3 now and they all went faulty so can't recommend.

[Pharos]

I'm sure that all of us, both subjectivists and objectivists agree that everything in a system affects the sound.

So the problem becomes one of allocation of funds appropriately to the law of limiting factors in a system.

How much better will an expensive CD player sound than one half the price?
How much better will an expensive cable sound than one at half the price?

How do I ordinate my funds to get the best sound for a given outlay?

[Light Dependant Resistor]

I'm sure that all of us, both subjectivists and objectivists agree that everything in a system affects the sound.

So the problem becomes one of allocation of funds appropriately to the law of limiting factors in a system.

How much better will an expensive CD player sound than one half the price?
How much better will an expensive cable sound than one at half the price?

How do I ordinate my funds to get the best sound for a given outlay?

The question might be better phrased to remove price, rather worded as will a well designed CD player sound better than a half designed one ?
as there is growing opinion the drives in modern players are not as well designed as those of earlier times

Also cables remove price as well, and instead substitute with cable, that subjectively connects you with music. This might require auditioning many cables

As for how do I ordinate funds, IMO the largest audio loss in a audio system detracting from how music actually sounds, is where funds should be allocated

My thoughts are, that this is where attenuation occurs, with every effort to preserve the capability of the source component. Simplicity of signal path
including removing contacts, is key to attaining good result.

[Filterlab]

Yesh the 91 is in a higher league, but they seem to be fetching around £800 or more which is just too much

Precisely. I’d favour the Teac VRDS myself, but given the OP’s budget constraints, the PD-S is one to go for.

I have to say the Sony’s mentioned are very good machines. Rock solid.

[fuyshe]

It says abovementioned Sonys don't play cd-rs

[Barry]

You won't go far wrong with one of these https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SONY-SCD-XB940QS-QS-range-Stereo-SACD-CD-Player-in-Silver-SERVICED/264910349071?hash=item3dade3230f:g:2ysAAOSwsYBfk0G F

XB790 QS and XB920 and XB930 are also good.

I can vouch for the Sony XB930, but it is not a 'professional' CDP. For that you will have to look at the likes of units that would be used in broadcast studios; such as the Revox C221 or those made by EMT. They will not be cheap - expect to pay £500 or more for one in reasonable condition.

[Lawrence001]

The question might be better phrased to remove price, rather worded as will a well designed CD player sound better than a half designed one ?
as there is growing opinion the drives in modern players are not as well designed as those of earlier times

Also cables remove price as well, and instead substitute with cable, that subjectively connects you with music. This might require auditioning many cables

As for how do I ordinate funds, IMO the largest audio loss in a audio system detracting from how music actually sounds, is where funds should be allocated

My thoughts are, that this is where attenuation occurs, with every effort to preserve the capability of the source component. Simplicity of signal path
including removing contacts, is key to attaining good result.OP wants to know whether he should get a pro or domestic CD player. The advice is to get an LDR preamp. Classic [emoji38]

Sent from my HRY-LX1 using Tapatalk

[Light Dependant Resistor]

CD player differences are comparatively small, compared to what is achievable by addressing attenuation IMO

Why not do both, as results will be fantastic. :)

[Macca]

I can vouch for the Sony XB930, but it is not a 'professional' CDP. For that you will have to look at the likes of units that would be used in broadcast studios; such as the Revox C221 or those made by EMT. They will not be cheap - expect to pay £500 or more for one in reasonable condition.

I know isn't. the o/p asked about other options too. I've owned or still own all the players I recommended.

[Lawrence001]

For the lower budget quoted I've seen cheaper Marantz players, the white ones with the coloured buttons. I'm sure there's also a common Denon model with variable pitch.

Sent from my HRY-LX1 using Tapatalk

[hagzo]

At the risk of numpty adding to a thread from people that have had first hand experience of many cd players - which I don't:
The sony 557esd I've got has separate power supplies and has mechanics that I still marvel at - It opens, shuts and tracks to the end of a cd in seconds, the only slow bit is me putting the cd in. The detail it retrieves is unheard on my other cd players - maybe output to a modern dac would raise that bar further.
Ceramic feet, rubber drawer isolation, everything is steel, the display is clear from 10 paces, it has buttons for 20 tracks where most only go to 10.
One drawback is the kss190 laser (used in some accuphase) is unobtainable, but a well cared for one imho will still last a long time. The other drawback is that it is considered by some to be a bit sharp or harsh with matched to some amps - to me it does when it is put with a sony amp (go figure?..or maybe they just become pure Japanese in presentation). I use it with older tandberg amps which softens it very nicely. I'm led to believe that it matches well with valve stuff too.
A lower but not lesser series option is a 337 which is pretty much the same sans bells and whistles.

My three peneth from a rookie.

Keith

[majex45]

I have used domestic Marantz and Technics players extensively they are both good (IMHO) the later Marantz (CDx00x etc) should be reliable and to my ears, sound pretty good without being exotically priced. The CDxx (CD52, 63 etc) suffer from lasers failing so they start to skip as they age. Not too difficult to repair if you use PHILLIPS replacement laser assemblies.
The Technics (CDP-xxx series) don't sound quite as full (TMEs) but are usually lower priced used.
Professional CD players (unless you spend a LOT) are usually domestic type players in a stronger box with 19 inch rack "ears". A lot extra for a little gain (again IMO).

[fuyshe]

Thanks everyone for contributing the discussion.
I just want to clarify. When I said 'pro cd rackmount players' I ment like this:

https://www.marantzpro.com/products/view/pmd-526c

Or similar stuff.
Sound quality & durability of this type of player vs hifi player.

Thanks

[orchardaudio]

Orchard Audio Streamers with Volumio have a CD player option.
orchardaudio.com/shop/ols/products/pecanpi-streamer-ultra

[brucew268]

Here are some video thoughts by Paul @PSAudio on pro amplifiers vs HiFi amps. Not CD players but the principle may well translate to your question:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q152ofkRjc4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q152ofkRjc4)