CD Player: Rotel or NAD?

tbyrne

I need a new dedicated CD player and am torn between the above-referenced brands. Is the Rotel 1072 worth twice the NAD 525 BEE? Should I split the price difference and go with the NAD 542?

The Rotel is at the very outer edge of my budget, but I wonder if it is worth the extra dough. I am currently running Monitor 7B speakers with an 80wt Marantz HT receiver.

Any thoughts?

nikolas812

Save your money. Get an Oppo.:cool:

tbyrne

Does Oppo make CD players or only DVD players?

nikolas812

They only make dvd players but they are exceptional at audio. A giant killer if you ask me. They can also be modded out the yin yang. Take a look at there 980H model. It is geared more toward audio I think. The 980HD is a little better for picture quality. But if you are going to use it as a dedicated CD player like I do. There is no point in spending the extra money for the 980HD. I think I paid $190 shipped with priority from Oppo. I've never been happier. It is one peice that will actually be staying for a while.

shack

I've heard the 980H Oppo on a couple of occasions and it's CD playback is not "all that". It's a good DVD player but I would not have it in my audio system. I have yet to hear one of the so called "Giant Killers" that actually lives up to it's reputation...including the Oppo. If funds are not an issue the Rotel is a great CDP but for the money either of the NADs will be hard to beat.

nikolas812

But for the money....... I like it.:) But he is right, depending on your budget....... If I had $500 -$2000 to spend on a CD player, the Oppo would be gone.

Shizelbs

Never heard either of them, but I've read plenty of glowing reviews about the Rotel. Thats what I would get if I was you.

I-SIG

The Rotel 1072 is like 90 %of the Bel Canto DAC2, which is pretty good. If you can spring for a used Cambridge Audio 840c then do it.

Wes

Roy Munson

I have a Nad 542 that is in 9/10 condition only due to age that has been boxed up in the closet for 1 1/2 years since I bought my Jolida. It comes with the original box. manual, and remote.

If your interested $325.00 shipped.

shack

Shizelbs wrote:

Never heard either of them, but I've read plenty of glowing reviews about the Rotel. Thats what I would get if I was you.

I have heard the Rotel on several occasions and it is a sweet player. The NAD 542 close but a more laid back sound. Cambridge Audio is another excellent CDP brand I really like. I've never heard the 840C but the 640C with it's dual Wolfson is a good choice as well. I know Bill Ayotte just got a killer deal from Doro on a CA 640C.

shack

Roy Munson wrote: »

I have a Nad 542 that is in 9/10 condition only due to age that has been boxed up in the closet for 1 1/2 years since I bought my Jolida. It comes with the original box. manual, and remote.

If your interested $325.00 shipped.

Not a bad deal!

tbyrne

Thanks for the suggestions - I'm inclined to go with the dedicated CD player since i already have a pretty good Toshiba DVD player and want to focus on the audio side.

steveinaz

I don't think there's much out there under a grand that will beat the Rotel.

cfrizz

Go on Audiogon & get the Rotel used.

I love mine.

mantis

Go 1072. Rotel has very high marks on this player. I have personally demo'd it myself many times and always walked away loving it. If I needed a deadicted player I would seriously consider this one.

Honestly for the money , look into Sony es. They have awesome SACD/CD players used on Audiogon. They are truely solid cd players and will give you the added bonus of SACD.

I'd check that out before you spend your cash.

steveinaz

True, even Sony's bargain basement $129 players have good pace/punch, and are fun to listen to. I recommend Sony players to anyone that wants an inexpensive player (sub $200). I have friends that have stereo's but are not "audiophiles." They'd look at me like I was crazy if recommended a $500 CDP, so for them I say "Sony."