Personally speaking, given the (non)availability of parts if something goes wrong with vintage CD players, I wouldn't want the potential worry.
Getting back into CDs for some weird reason, and took a punt on one of these.
New Audiolab CD Transport.
After reading a lot of very positive reviews took a punt.
Sounds way better than it has a right to at the price
Had it a few days, already sounding better than my modded 203 over i2s on Redbook CD.
Hooked up with a Wireworld Starlight 8 digital coax.
If it keeps improving the way it is I might invest in a more 'serious' digital cable.
Genuinely a bit taken aback by how this thing sounds, and not just for the price.
Say again, it beats my Oppo for enjoying CDs.
Wouldn't look at an old CD Player as a transport when there's quality modern stuff around.
AC POWER
Hardwired 10kVA balanced mains powering entire system
AMPS
Meridian 557 power Amp (Modded) / PS Audio BHK Preamp (Modded)
SPEAKERS
Wharfedale Evo 4.4
DAC
PS Audio Directstream (Modded)
TURNTABLE
Pro-Ject X8 balanced output via XLR / Ortofon Quintet Blue cartridge
PHONOSTAGE
Pro-Ject DS3 B balanced Input (TT and Phonostage powered by Pro-Ject Power box RS2 linear psu)
DIGITAL
OPPO 203 (Modded: Linear PSU, i2s output to Dac) - Roon Endpoint, HDMI input used for all things Streaming/ PS5 /AppleTV ... also good for movies apparently?
MUSIC PLAYBACK
Tweaked AP-Linux based Roon Server into Oppo 203 as Roon endpoint
Ipad Roon Remote.
Apple Music/ YouTube via AppleTV, fed to Dac via Oppo HDMI input/i2s output to Dac.
SPEAKER CABLES
Biwired: Duelund DCA10GA (Bass) Duelund DCA16GA (mid & treble) Duelund 12DCA used as jumpers (On "Blackcat Cable" Chris Sommivigo's advice - yup, even with biwire it sounds better - and it does)
INTERCONNECTS
All Balanced: Ghost+ recording studio XLR cables