Early CD Player Recommendations?

[Beechwoods]

I'm coming to the conclusion that my current CD Player (which I've owned for about the last 15 years, a Technics SL-PG520A) is limiting my enjoyment of digital sources, and needs to be upgraded. It's a basic machine but I like the jog wheel and it's always been reliable.

What I am looking for as a replacement though is something that has a bit of retro cool about it, in keeping with my other kit. Digital-outs are not a pre-requisite, but good sound reproduction is, sound reproduction of an 'analogue' kind - not hard - sound that might compliment my mid-70's amplification setup.

A tall order? It would be interesting to see if anyone has any ideas...

[NRG]

Easy, an early Arcam Alpha based on a TDA1541A. Rounded warm sound that can be easily be made to 'open up' up if desired with some simple component swaps, also Leo is a bit of a wiz on these with loads of experience...

[Ali Tait]

No idea how they sound,but I liked the look of a couple of Musical Fidelity CDT1's on e bay at the mo.Used to be known as frog eyes coz of the couple of valves in the output stage.Epitomise 70's cool to me!

[Audiocom AV]

What I am looking for as a replacement though is something that has a bit of retro cool about it, in keeping with my other kit. Digital-outs are not a pre-requisite, but good sound reproduction is, sound reproduction of an 'analogue' kind - not hard - sound that might compliment my mid-70's amplification setup.

Hi Beechwoods,

Vintage players that have an analogue sound, now the Sony CDP-x777ES is one to look out for. The regulation is all discrete, no 78xx regulators, it has twin DAC's, two large linear power supplies. The player is circa 1990,
http://www.thevintageknob.org/SONY/s...CDPX777ES.html

Also, the Accuphase DP65;
http://www.thevintageknob.org/ACCUPHASE/DP65/DP65.html

Expect to pay £450 upwards for a s/h 777ES, and around £1K for the DP65.

Best Wishes
Mark/Audiocom

[Marco]

Vintage players that have an analogue sound, now the Sony CDP-x777ES is one to look out for. The regulation is all discrete, no 78xx regulators, it has twin DAC's, two large linear power supplies. The player is circa 1990,
http://www.thevintageknob.org/SONY/s...CDPX777ES.html

Now where have I seen one of those before?



Marco.

[Spectral Morn]

Hi Nick


Marantz CD85, Marantz CD94 mk2 (the mk1 is IMHO not as good). As suggested by NRG both are TDA 1541 multi bit units. AudioComs suggestions are good too. A rare one would be the Audiomeca Obsession Mk2...this has a very analogue sound (the designer Piere Lurne is a legendary TT designer)..this is the only machine in the range that is safe to buy S/H. The others have rare laser mechs, that can't be got if they break. This makes them a very unsafe S/H buy. I hate to say that because I like their sound. Audio Aero have quite an analogue sound (another French machine) a Prima could be an option. Tube Technology Fulcrum/CD 64 CDP has a valve output stage. If you want a new machine the Opera/Consonace no filter 120 model (about £700) has a very analogue sound, nice machine. Ring Allium Audio the distributor and ask for Ian Large say Neil sent you.


Regards D S D L----Neil

[Beechwoods]

Thank you for the recommendations... some really nice machines there, though some a little pricey for me

I must admit that having done some digging I am very taken by the first Technics CDP, the SL-P10 > http://www.thevintageknob.org/DAD/SLP10/SLP10.html I love the vertical loading and drop-forward tray. It has a quite unique look to it. I'm going to do some more digging around. It does depend on how pricey they are...

[symon]

I'd be interested in what you end up getting, Nick. My CD player is a very big weak link in my system, and I think it is also close to giving up the ghost. I suspect my budget will be similar (or even leaner) than yours. So, even if I'm not after the same looks as you, I would be after similar quality at a budget price.

[Beechwoods]

Hi Peter... I'm definitely in the market for an early machine (early 80's if I can), something a bit special from a historical perspective. That's why I'm drawn to the 1st Gen upright disc transport models (like the Technics above), Dual also did a nice upright loader. To be honest I'm interested to take a punt on one just to see how it sounded. I'm under no illusions that the technology refined as time went on, but the early machines were 'high-end' for their time and a lot of the worst early machines came about as costs were forced through the floor in the race for market share...

If I were in the market for a good quality transport at a great price I'd probably be looking at something like the Pioneer PD-S703. It's an early 90's machine so too late for me TBH, but the transport is legendary and it comes with coax and optical outs, so partnered with a good DAC it can make some great sounds. I know it'd sound better than my current machine. And likely so even without an external DAC. There's one on the bay at the moment if you're quick.

[symon]

One? There's 4.
You're a naughty man making me look at more things I should buy from ebay!

Thanks for the recommendation. The price fits very nicely for me, so I shall definitely investigate that further. I think it would have to be the CDP first, with a DAC on the wishlist.