how to know a good cd player when I see 1?

soundfreak1

want to get a new used cd player don't wanna dvd but a dedicated cd player due to budget I will be looking for something used
what do I need to know to pick a good one? just don't know enough about them to know what to look for as far as specs and :exclaim:formats. suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

cnh

What's the budget? That will determine what level you will enter into. Want to play SACDs too or not? And so on.

Need to start with a list of players in your range then, hopefully, get you ears on some because it's really really tough to make a call on a CDP on specs or reviews alone.

cnh

soundfreak1

as far as budget goes about 100 or so. don't really know about s a cd verses other formats available not really realistic get ears on a different ones as I will be purchasing a used. just need to get an idea of what to look for and what to stay away from

tonyb

A hundie is going to be hard to get any significant upgrade in a used cdp. You may need to at least move up to the 300 range and maybe look at some older Marantz, Rotel, Cambridge, Bada, Jolida maybe a tad more.

With that, used universal players are fairly cheap and some offer up some darn good cd playback. Look for a used Pioneer avi59, Denon, Oppo universals can also be had on the cheaper side with some very good cd playback.

tonyb

Another option is instead of a cdp, find a used Squeezebox Touch or Sonos and kick the cdp to the curb.

heiney9

at $100 budget, probably don't bother. Maybe you can find an inexpensive used dac if you currently have a transport.

H9

heiney9

Not necessarily saying it can't be done, but you will need to look hard and jump on something as soon as you see it.

Older Denon's would be nice as well as the Rotel 1072, but those don't normally go for a $100.

H9

tonyb

soundfreak1 wrote: »

about 100 or so.

Brock,
Not sure what the "or so" means, but at 200 clams, a used SB is within reach, and plenty universals.

Too many variables as to what makes a cdp sound good. Your best bet is to get an ear on a few in your price range. Associated gear will also play a good part. Also some user reviews would help you out some, like Audioreview.com, but like all reviews,take with a grain of salt.

heiney9

In my experience the universals aren't all that great, especially at that used price point. I 2nd the SQB rec. as well, but he's going to have to step it up a bit. If he's not going to use an external dac then I would recommend the SQB Touch as that is much better sounding as a stand alone than the earlier versions.

For the price a used Rotel 1072 is about the best I've heard, of course this is in my opinion in regards to my listening preferences.

H9

Fongolio

I would also suggest looking for a used Rotel RCD-855 or RCD-955. Both used the TDA1541A chips and a superior swing arm laser head. I have seen them in that price range and I know they sound very good.

BlueFox

Find a circa 1999 Sony DVD player. The CD sounds pretty good. However, forget about anything relatively new for $100.

soundfreak1

I figured almost anything does that sound better then an old d v d player guess I'll just have to save a bigger bag nickels. no a little bit about specs for an amp or speakers just don't know anything about lasers amd dacs. guess I'll have to go through my closet sell some stuff I've been hanging onto. but even with a bigger bag of nickels still don't know how to evaualate one.

Big Dawg

Before you go too crazy with what you gotta spend, fill us in on the rest of your gear. If your rig isn't all that revealing, you really don't need a great cd player.

If your dvd player works, and has a digital out, but you are looking for better sound, consider hunting down something like an Adcom GDA-600 DAC. They run between $100-$200 used (better off hunting on CL than eBay), and your sound will improve more than a little.

soundfreak1

completely restored and modded parasound h c a 1200 a dared sl2000a pre with matched telefunken power tubes and polk rta 12c's with rdo194 tweets.

cfrizz

Rotel makes great cd players. I had an RCD-855 for 18 years and replaced it with the 1072. You would be hard pressed to get a better one. Continue to save money and haunt Audiogon for them. They show up fairly often.

Read this writeup by Russman.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?36450-CD-Player-Shopping-found-a-gem&highlight=Rotel+RCD-1072

Big Dawg

soundfreak1 wrote: »

completely restored and modded parasound h c a 1200 a dared sl2000a pre with matched telefunken power tubes and polk rta 12c's with rdo194 tweets.

That's a nice system. You should save a little more to add a component that won't immediately be the weakest link.

Maybe something like this, on Audiogon for $225:

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/marantz-cd-5004-cd-player

tonyb

Nice cdp ^^ for not alot of coin, good call.

janmike

I used to own a Marantz Special Edition CD-67SE CD Player and was very pleased with it. If you found one it would probably be close to your budget.

PreCd

I have this CD player and it is a very good entry level player. I use it every day and at times with headphones. Outstanding for the dollar.

Big Dawg wrote: »

That's a nice system. You should save a little more to add a component that won't immediately be the weakest link.

Maybe something like this, on Audiogon for $225:

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/marantz-cd-5004-cd-player

soundfreak1

Ok i need a bigger bag of nickles. If i get up to the 250./300 range would it not be better to buy a 3/5 year old higherend cd player 4 that money than a newer one ( im going under the asumption that the newer ones are not as well built due to inflation and higher cost of manufacturing than the more vintage ones. at least ive found that with amps abd speakers, as like my parasound amp it would take at least 5 times the cost i jave in it to out do it.same with the rta 12c,s). not trying to be cheap just trying to get the best bang for the buck as I am not a wealthy man.