NAD C515BEE or Onkyo DX-7555?

BSong

I’m in the market for a CD player to play Redbook and CD-Rs exclusively. My absolute high is $450 total. I’m also not comfortable buying a used CD player. So this rules out a lot of players. I’ve narrowed my choices to two – The NAD C515BEE and the Onkyo DX-7555. There are no stores near me that have either one out to hear. I’ve read a huge amount of mostly positive pro and user reviews for both players and I can’t decide which way to go. The list price on the NAD is $300 U.S. I can get it new for a total cost of $270. The Onkyo has a list price of $700. I can get it new for a total cost of $435, from two very reputable dealers.

There’s a part of me that’s drawn to the Onkyo simply because it has an original list price that more than doubles the list price of the NAD. Selling at $600 The Absolute Sound felt that it was “a great bargain.” And at $700 Stereophile felt that it was “an excellent value.” So at $400, it seems like a steal. I’ve read that Onkyo is introducing a new CD player in June and I’m guessing that I’m seeing a price drop based on the fact that it’s being replaced. Considering the huge difference between the list prices of these two units I can’t help but feel that the Onkyo is in a different class. But I really don’t know if that’s the case -- prices come down for various reasons. As far as the NAD is concerned, What Hi-Fi? gave the C515BEE a very good review, and The Absolute Sound gave it a Product of the Year award in 2008.

User reviews are generally good for both of them. But of course there are upsides and downsides to both of these players, as there are for all CD players. Does anyone have an opinion between these two?

My amp is an NAD C-340 integrated which I bought in 2000. I listen exclusively through my Grado SR-225 headphones through the phone input of the amp. I don’t even own speakers.

NewHTguy

There was a time when I was looking seriously at the Onk 7555, mostly because I believe Onkyo gives a great value. Like you this was based on reviews because I did not have a place to audition them. I would just suggest that you do not let the list price of the Onk guide your decision. Amazon (an auth Onk dealer) was selling them in black for about 400 for the longest time. The silver was more expensive though. I guess what I'm saying is that while Onks offer great value, the "street price" of Onks is invariably much lower than their list.

Btw, you should add the Cambridge Audio 640C to your list. Audioadvisor has some demo's for approx $370 and they come with full warranty. I've bought two demo items from them and could not detect any difference between the demo and a new item.

Danny Tse

J&R e-mailed me last week that the DX-7555 is back in stock for $400.00 shipped.

dougy

I've got no knock on the NAD, but I own the Onkyo, and can recommend it. It sounds great, it's got solid build quality and, IMHO, is a great-looking component. Some of it's added-value features are of questionable "value", though. (I'm talking about the filter settings.) I honestly can't hear any difference in any of them, but then again, my hearing ain't what it used to be. You younger bucks (and buckettes?) may be able to hear how they vary.

lyfestyl

I am also in the market, and am looking at the Onkyo DX-7555 and the NAD C-542. My question concerns the prices mentioned. I find J&R and Amazon asking $599.00 for the Onkyo. What am I missing?

Thanks,

Scott

BSong

Amazon did go back up to $599. But J&R is charging $399. When you go onto the page for the DX-7555, right underneath the $599 price (in much smaller print) is a paragraph that says something like, "Call 1-800-**** for the absolute lowest pricing." Basically, you have to call their 1-800 number and order it directly over the phone. They give you 30-day refund. The other option is B&H (a very large and well-respected camera store in NYC). They have it on their website for $399. And their return policy is 15 day refund. Both offer free shipping and no tax outside of New York.

lyfestyl

Very Good!!! I am on it!!!

lyfestyl

Dang...It is for real. J&R's website shows $594 for the DX-7555, but when you call it is $399 with free s&h!!!!

Mine is on the way!!!!

A big thanks to all!!!

Scott

GEBBY44

Also, anyone looking for something similar to the 7555, the Onkyo dv-sp1000 often pops up on ebay for $300. I've read the two units are essentially identical sound-wise, while the sp1000 can play SACD and DVD-A. Just a thought in case anyone wanted the quality of the 7555 for slightly cheaper or for SACD.