CD Player recommendation

cdn5003
cdn5003 Posts: 144
edited October 2009 in Electronics
I have a cheap sony 5 disk changer that I am looking to upgrade from. I want to look at midrange cd players that will deliver better sound than my sony. I will be connecting it to an Adcom GTP-450 and Adcom 535 amp and Rti A3 speakers.

Without spending 500 dollars or something rediculous what are some good options for me to consider?

I don't need an elite CDP but just something better than entry level sony.
HT Setup: Onkyo 706; Rotel RB-1075; Rti A3; Csi A6; Fxi3's

2 CH: Squeezebox Touch; Dared SL-2000a; GoldenEar Triton 5 or Lsi9's; Parasound 2125; SVS SB12-NSD; Music Hall DAC 25.2
Post edited by cdn5003 on
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited October 2009
    Rotel 1072 and don't look back.

    This one has been up for 20 days, I bet $350-$375 WOULD TAKE IT.

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1259779798&/Rotel-RCD-1072-
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • coolsax
    coolsax Posts: 1,826
    edited October 2009
    I'm currently considering the same thing would like something better than my current 50 dollar dvd player for CDs.. I'm looking at the oppo DV-980H and the yamaha S1800 both are upconverting DVD universal players that play CD, DVD, SACD, and DVDA.. i've seen good reveiws on both for their Audio abilities, but i have to wait til xmas for me to get one of them.. they are also only single disc players if that matters
    Main 2ch -
    BlueSound Node->Ethereal optical cable->Peachtree Audio Nova 150->GoldenEar Triton 2+
    TT - Pro-ject Classic SB with Sumiko Bluepoint.

    TV 3.1 system -
    Denon 3500 -> Dynaudio Excite 32/22
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited October 2009
    thsmith wrote: »
    Rotel 1072 and don't look back.

    This one has been up for 20 days, I bet $350-$375 WOULD TAKE IT.

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1259779798&/Rotel-RCD-1072-

    What he said! I love my 1072. It replaced the 855 that I had for 17 years!
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • Jetmaker737
    Jetmaker737 Posts: 1,071
    edited October 2009
    I just picked up a Jolida JD-100A for $495 shipped on A-gon. I guess that's borderline ridiculous price :). I'm really liking the sound of it.
    SystemLuxman L-590AXII Integrated Amplifier|KEF Reference 1 Loudspeakers|PS Audio Directream Jr|Sansui TU-9900 Tuner|TEAC A-6100 RtR|Nakamichi RX-202 Cassette
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  • vc69
    vc69 Posts: 2,500
    edited October 2009
    I have been auditioning a Rega Planet-2000 for the last couple of weeks. It's a little old but for redbook CD it sounds mighty fine. Probably find one in the $200 range.
    My UDP is an Oppo BDP-83 and it is pretty darn fine. $500 for that though.
    -Kevin
    HT: Philips 52PFL7432D 52" LCD 1080p / Onkyo TX-SR 606 / Oppo BDP-83 SE / Comcast cable. (all HDMI)B&W 801 - Front, Polk CS350 LS - Center, Polk LS90 - Rear
    2 Channel:
    Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Squeezebox Touch
    Muscial Fidelity M1 DAC
    VTL 2.5
    McIntosh 2205 (refurbed)
    B&W 801's
    Transparent IC's
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  • superjunior
    superjunior Posts: 1,632
    edited October 2009
    just thought I'd throw this out there but if you don't already have a bluray player, they make great cd players as well. I love my pio for cd listening and it makes for a nice bd player. kills 2 birds with 1 stone and saves space.
    just a thought...
    panasonic th-50pz85u
    pioneer elite vsx-92txh
    pioneer elite bdp-05fd
    emotiva xpa-3
    monster power hdp 2550
    sa 8300 hd dvr
    sda 2b's
    fronts - rti a9's
    center - csi a6
    surrounds - fxi a6's
    sub - polk dsw pro 600
    harmony one
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  • cdn5003
    cdn5003 Posts: 144
    edited October 2009
    I have a playstation 3 but I haven't really given it a chance as a cd player because it is in my HT setup. Is ps3 known to be a good cd player? It is hooked up via hdmi to my 706 with an adcom 535 and Rti10's. I will give it a shot.
    HT Setup: Onkyo 706; Rotel RB-1075; Rti A3; Csi A6; Fxi3's

    2 CH: Squeezebox Touch; Dared SL-2000a; GoldenEar Triton 5 or Lsi9's; Parasound 2125; SVS SB12-NSD; Music Hall DAC 25.2
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited October 2009
    cdn5003 wrote: »
    I have a playstation 3 but I haven't really given it a chance as a cd player because it is in my HT setup. Is ps3 known to be a good cd player? It is hooked up via hdmi to my 706 with an adcom 535 and Rti10's. I will give it a shot.

    See my suggestion above. The Rotel killed and stomped on my PS3 60G as a CDP. Side not the PS3 killed the Rotel as a BRP;)
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • vc69
    vc69 Posts: 2,500
    edited October 2009
    thsmith wrote: »
    See my suggestion above. The Rotel killed and stomped on my PS3 60G as a CDP. Side not the PS3 killed the Rotel as a BRP;)

    Huh?
    -Kevin
    HT: Philips 52PFL7432D 52" LCD 1080p / Onkyo TX-SR 606 / Oppo BDP-83 SE / Comcast cable. (all HDMI)B&W 801 - Front, Polk CS350 LS - Center, Polk LS90 - Rear
    2 Channel:
    Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Squeezebox Touch
    Muscial Fidelity M1 DAC
    VTL 2.5
    McIntosh 2205 (refurbed)
    B&W 801's
    Transparent IC's
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  • superjunior
    superjunior Posts: 1,632
    edited October 2009
    cdn5003 wrote: »
    I have a playstation 3 but I haven't really given it a chance as a cd player because it is in my HT setup. Is ps3 known to be a good cd player? It is hooked up via hdmi to my 706 with an adcom 535 and Rti10's. I will give it a shot.

    not familliar with the ps3, but my original sony playstation was my cd player for years and it worked great! give it a whirl, you might be pleasantly suprised and save yourself some coin. happy listening!
    jr
    panasonic th-50pz85u
    pioneer elite vsx-92txh
    pioneer elite bdp-05fd
    emotiva xpa-3
    monster power hdp 2550
    sa 8300 hd dvr
    sda 2b's
    fronts - rti a9's
    center - csi a6
    surrounds - fxi a6's
    sub - polk dsw pro 600
    harmony one
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited October 2009
    vc69 wrote: »
    Huh?

    My attempt to be funny, was suppose to read - On a side note my PS3 killed my Rotel as a Blu-Ray Player.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • vc69
    vc69 Posts: 2,500
    edited October 2009
    thsmith wrote: »
    My attempt to be funny, was suppose to read - On a side note my PS3 killed my Rotel as a Blu-Ray Player.

    Oh! I could make hide nor hair out of it. ;)
    -Kevin
    HT: Philips 52PFL7432D 52" LCD 1080p / Onkyo TX-SR 606 / Oppo BDP-83 SE / Comcast cable. (all HDMI)B&W 801 - Front, Polk CS350 LS - Center, Polk LS90 - Rear
    2 Channel:
    Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Squeezebox Touch
    Muscial Fidelity M1 DAC
    VTL 2.5
    McIntosh 2205 (refurbed)
    B&W 801's
    Transparent IC's
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  • mshan242700
    mshan242700 Posts: 823
    edited October 2009
    http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f43/bel-canto-dac-1-a-449586/
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited October 2009
    You MIGHT be able to pick up a Marantz SA-8001 in that price range.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    edited October 2009
    cdn5003 wrote: »
    Without spending 500 dollars or something rediculous what are some good options for me to consider?

    I don't need an elite CDP but just something better than entry level sony.


    Buy a Cambridge-Audio DACMagic and use the Sony as digital transport. The DACMagic review in stereophile equated the sound with the $1500 Cambridge-Audio 840C CD player.
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited October 2009
    They are not equal in sound. The 840C is noticeably more transparent, but I did find the DacMagic to have better imaging.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • cienega
    cienega Posts: 85
    edited October 2009
    I had a 5 disc Sony and upgraded to the Cambridge 640 and am very happy with it. It made a big difference in sound quality. Can't say how it compares to the other suggestions but thought I would pass along this deal going on right now. The 640 was replaced by the 650 - hence the price reduction.

    http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=CA640CV2
    2 channel
    Vandersteen 3a sigs
    McCormick 225
    Vincent SAT-1 tube pre
    Cambridge 650 c
    HSU VTF-15H sub
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,537
    edited October 2009
    In that price range, Cambridge Audio cannot be overlooked. Audio Advisor has a BIG sale right now on a couple of models. I'd recommend the 640c Azur:

    www.audioadvisor.com
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited October 2009
    I agree, Cambridge does make a great product for the money.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • Hilbert
    Hilbert Posts: 316
    edited October 2009
    AA not showing the 640C on their website any more---presumably sold out.

    I got one of the sale units a couple of months ago---big improvement on my old Yamaha carousel, and noticeably better for CDs than Oppo 83.
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  • danz1906
    danz1906 Posts: 5,144
    edited October 2009
    Face wrote: »
    You MIGHT be able to pick up a Marantz SA-8001 in that price range.

    Agreed, or something like an Adcom 750 cd player.
    Linn AV5140 fronts
    Linn AV5120 Center
    Linn AV5140 Rears
    M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
    Odyssey Mono-Blocs
    SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D
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  • vc69
    vc69 Posts: 2,500
    edited October 2009
    Hilbert wrote: »
    AA not showing the 640C on their website any more---presumably sold out.

    I got one of the sale units a couple of months ago---big improvement on my old Yamaha carousel, and noticeably better for CDs than Oppo 83.

    I would be interested in your opinion regarding which areas specifically the Cambridge bested the -83.
    What DACs are used in your model?

    I suspect that it may have a better analog output section.

    I am pretty happy with my -83 but am curious where I might do better.
    -Kevin
    HT: Philips 52PFL7432D 52" LCD 1080p / Onkyo TX-SR 606 / Oppo BDP-83 SE / Comcast cable. (all HDMI)B&W 801 - Front, Polk CS350 LS - Center, Polk LS90 - Rear
    2 Channel:
    Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Squeezebox Touch
    Muscial Fidelity M1 DAC
    VTL 2.5
    McIntosh 2205 (refurbed)
    B&W 801's
    Transparent IC's
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  • Hilbert
    Hilbert Posts: 316
    edited October 2009
    "I would be interested in your opinion regarding which areas specifically the Cambridge bested the -83. What DACs are used in your model?"

    640C has more detail, with regard both to individual instruments and location in space. 83 seems in comparison a bit muddy, lifeless. Difference is noticeable but not night-and-day and the Cambridge in turn is a bit sterile; it's not the final audio answer.

    With both pieces I'm using the Dac-in-the-box (:)) whatever it happens to be.

    Oppo engineers maybe regarded stereo analog output as the least of their many objectives so skimped on it a bit.

    Hope this helps and bear in mind I'm rather a novice so grain of salt appropriate.

    EDIT: My recollection of Oppo manual is they always recommend outputting digital; not really in love with their own Dacs.
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  • daboyz
    daboyz Posts: 5,207
    edited October 2009
    Get a stand alone DAC like the Adcom GDA-600 and a decent transport and than me later. You can do it for under $300 and you'll be very happy.
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  • vc69
    vc69 Posts: 2,500
    edited October 2009
    Hilbert wrote: »
    640C has more detail, with regard both to individual instruments and location in space. 83 seems in comparison a bit muddy, lifeless. Difference is noticeable but not night-and-day and the Cambridge in turn is a bit sterile; it's not the final audio answer.

    Thanks. That is what I was wondering.
    Hilbert wrote: »
    With both pieces I'm using the Dac-in-the-box (:)) whatever it happens to be.

    Huh... well then you are not really listening to the analog output of either player. You are "hearing" the analog output of the Dac-in-the-box. The players are serving as transports only.
    Hilbert wrote: »
    Oppo engineers maybe regarded stereo analog output as the least of their many objectives so skimped on it a bit.

    Actually, the 2ch DACs in the -83 are considered state of the art and different from the multi-ch outputs DACs. I have a feeling that the 2ch analog section is where it could be improved upon. I do agree that there were some compromises made in the 2ch section. Most likely because of the price point.
    Hilbert wrote: »
    Hope this helps and bear in mind I'm rather a novice so grain of salt appropriate.

    EDIT: My recollection of Oppo manual is they always recommend outputting digital; not really in love with their own Dacs.

    As a digital transport, the -83 is awesome. I do use it that way occasionally. But I am still searching for that elusive sweet sound from a CD player. I have a feeling the -83 is close. It may just need some modding. :)

    Thanks for your comments.
    -Kevin
    HT: Philips 52PFL7432D 52" LCD 1080p / Onkyo TX-SR 606 / Oppo BDP-83 SE / Comcast cable. (all HDMI)B&W 801 - Front, Polk CS350 LS - Center, Polk LS90 - Rear
    2 Channel:
    Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Squeezebox Touch
    Muscial Fidelity M1 DAC
    VTL 2.5
    McIntosh 2205 (refurbed)
    B&W 801's
    Transparent IC's
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited October 2009
    NAD C515BEE (MSRP $299)
    NAD C545BEE (MSRP $499)

    I've had the opportunity to listen to both and they are excellent CDPs. I could live with the C515BEE as my only CDP and never look back. However, the C545BEE is better IMO...and Spearit Sound has them as a factory refurb for $399...which I think is a great deal. I have owned both NAD and CA CDPs. The NADs have a more laid back sound and the CAs are more...neurtral...neither adding or taking away from what is on the disc. I happen to like the NAD sound better...but that's just me.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited October 2009
    for new you seek the NAD, beware imposters, the two products recommended by Shack-Daddy are making a huge impressions in audio land, for a used product the Jolida JD-100 is a known winner of course Tubes Rule and Jolida is a tubed player.

    RT1
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  • Barefoot
    Barefoot Posts: 149
    edited October 2009
    From what I've read that new Oppo BD everyone's going gaga over seems to do almost everything well, SACD playback included. Redbook is par for the course.
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  • vc69
    vc69 Posts: 2,500
    edited October 2009
    Barefoot wrote: »
    From what I've read that new Oppo BD everyone's going gaga over seems to do almost everything well, SACD playback included. Redbook is par for the course.

    It does. And I am really pretty satisfied in every way with it's performance. However, I believe the redbook playback could be "warmer".

    I have a Rega Planet2k right now and I wish the -83 had it's low end warmth. On the other hand, I wish the Rega had the nice big image and detail of the -83.

    So I continue my quest...

    ;)
    -Kevin
    HT: Philips 52PFL7432D 52" LCD 1080p / Onkyo TX-SR 606 / Oppo BDP-83 SE / Comcast cable. (all HDMI)B&W 801 - Front, Polk CS350 LS - Center, Polk LS90 - Rear
    2 Channel:
    Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Squeezebox Touch
    Muscial Fidelity M1 DAC
    VTL 2.5
    McIntosh 2205 (refurbed)
    B&W 801's
    Transparent IC's
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  • Hilbert
    Hilbert Posts: 316
    edited October 2009
    vc69 wrote: »

    Huh... well then you are not really listening to the analog output of either player. You are "hearing" the analog output of the Dac-in-the-box. The players are serving as transports only.

    Sorry, I tried to be clever and failed to be clear. I am listening to the analog output of both players, the DAC built in to the Oppo and the DAC built in to the Cambridge (both boxes, that is), whatever they happen to be.

    My other gear may be a factor: emo xpa-5, usp-1, LSi9s, and the CDPs.

    The oppo gets quite warm when playing a blu ray disc and on a few occasions I've popped in a CD after the movie, it's sounded pretty fabulous. Maybe my imagination, or maybe the oppo benefits from warmup.
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