Which CD player?

danger boy
danger boy Posts: 15,722
edited March 2009 in Electronics
ok, i know I've asked this before.. and so have other people... but it's tough choosing a decent CDP, why is that?

Although I'm not looking exactly right now to move on a CDP... I could really use some suggestions so I can start doing some research on what people recommend.

These are just few of the ones that I keep hearing good things about. For me, I only need for a CDPlayer to do Redbook CD's. If the player had HDCD decoding that would be a plus. I don't really need a SACD player unless it kept the signal in DSD... at least that's what my friend said would be best. My experience with Sony is that they sound pretty good.. but the highs are to harsh with my gear. with the right gear i'm sure the Sony's are good SACD/CD players.

anyway.. here are the ones that I have did some research on so far.. of course there is no place to demo any of these... I would like to keep it under $500 on the new/used market. I can't really just add a DAC to my current CDP.. because I feel that my current 15 yr old NAD is not that good as a transport and it's beginning to occasionally skip on some CD's.

Jolida JD-100a
Rotel RCD-1072
OPPO xxxxx model when ever that comes out?
Music Hall MMF-25
Onkyo DX-7555
NAD - C-545BEE
PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • MillerLiteScott
    MillerLiteScott Posts: 2,564
    edited March 2009
    I can't complain about my Jolida, and you an roll some tubes to tailor the sound to your taste and gear. I bought it used for $500 shipped to my door from a Polkie.

    Scott
    I like speakers that are bigger than a small refrigerator but smaller than a big refrigerator:D
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited March 2009
    Scott,

    does it use 12AX7 tubes? I already use those in my DAC.. so I have a small supply already.

    did you consider any other CDP?
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited March 2009
    I have heard the Jolida, the Rotel, the Music Hall and the NAD. Any one will be a fine player. I'm not as seduced by the tube sound of the Jolida as many here are. If I had to pick it would probably be the Rotel followed closely by the NAD.
    "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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  • daboyz
    daboyz Posts: 5,207
    edited March 2009
    What amp are you running?
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  • Gadabout
    Gadabout Posts: 1,072
    edited March 2009
    I'm pretty happy with my Marantz 8260. They are around $400 and less on the Used Market. AndyGWis still might have one. I know it was being offered in the Flea Market a while back.

    Here is the Link:
    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72769

    $375 + shipping or $420 shipped w/ PayPal
    Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid. ..... Frank Zappa
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited March 2009
    daboyz wrote: »
    What amp are you running?

    older Pioneer A88X 120wpc integrated dual mono design. lovely dynamics from this thing.
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited March 2009
    Consonance makes a good player as does Raysonic & Arcam. Here a link to where you can get them. Stephen will give you a great deal plus he has used units.
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  • MillerLiteScott
    MillerLiteScott Posts: 2,564
    edited March 2009
    Yes, it uses 12AX7's. I have EI Gold Pins in mine right now. I also have a pair of Sovtek 12AX7 LPS that I put in every once and while for a change. But I always go back to the EI's.

    Scott
    I like speakers that are bigger than a small refrigerator but smaller than a big refrigerator:D
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  • Ern Dog
    Ern Dog Posts: 2,237
    edited March 2009
    I had the NAD C-542 and recently upgraded to a Bada HD-22 and it kicked the snot out of the NAD. Used this cdp is right in your price range. Plus it is HDCD and tube output to boot!
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited March 2009
    Ern Dog wrote: »
    I had the NAD C-542 and recently upgraded to a Bada HD-22 and it kicked the snot out of the NAD. Used this cdp is right in your price range. Plus it is HDCD and tube output to boot!

    if I'm reading the info correctly on the Bada HD-22 does it have two RCA ouputs ? one for digital and one for analog? so you could switch between the two? if so.. that is quite interesting to me.

    I just looked and they have updated the Bada HD-22 to the 22SE edition.. with some updates with a Sony laser head and transport and other improvements.. i am very intrigued with this player now. :)
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited March 2009
    The Bada has two RCA outputs, one is the tubes output and the other is a SS output. Then you also have the digital output in case you want to connect to a DAC.
    _________________________________________________
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  • phipiper10
    phipiper10 Posts: 961
    edited March 2009
    I had one of the original Bada hd-22 and it had a laser issue about 18 months after purchase. I sent it back and had it fixed at my expense.($80?) I had written about the painful process previously.

    I've not had the opportunity to compare to high end players but it is sonically a significant upgrade over every other player I have heard and is somewhat receptive to changing tubes.

    I spent time using all the different outputs on it and no surprise the tube output was best even with the stock tube.

    And Early says his modded version runs with the Jolida! His Bada may be his longest running piece right now...an endorsement!?

    GL!
    Analog Source: Rega P3-24 Exact 2 w/GT delrin platter & Neo TT-PSU Digital Source: Lumin U2 w/Roon (NUC) DAC:T+A DAC 200 Phono Preamp: Rega Aria MK3 Preamp: Rogue RP-7 Amp: Infigo Method 6 Speakers: Joseph Audio Perspective 2, Audio Physic Tempo Plus Cables: Cardas Clear Reflection SC/IC, Shunyata PCs Misc: Shunyata Hydra Delta D6, VTI rack, GIK acoustic panels
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited March 2009
    bump to get more responses.. what other CD players in the under $500 should I look at?
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited March 2009
    Musical fidelity A3.2 can be had for under $500 these days.

    I've owned one or two and like them. Very detailed and clean sounding. Some might say they sound sterile but I didn't think so.

    You can also find Lexicon RT-10s for under $500 from time to time. Great redbook, great SACD, and adequate DVD to boot.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited March 2009
    danger boy wrote: »
    bump to get more responses.. what other CD players in the under $500 should I look at?

    Why are you asking? Doesn't this say it all:
    phipiper10 wrote: »
    And Early says his modded version runs with the Jolida! His Bada may be his longest running piece right now...an endorsement!?

    As you know danger, I've changed everything in my system countless times over the past several years with one exception...
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited March 2009
    I had an unmodded Bada HD-22 in my system courtesy of Ricardo. It was definitely a step up from the Rotel RCD-02 I had previously.
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited March 2009
    I guess i've never really understood mods.. i mean I know why people do them.. but to me it seems like the gains IMHO would be minimal from the stock player.

    I guess the BADA 22SE is a "updated" or upgraded version of the 22. to me that would be a mod, right? but done by the manufacture or outlet.
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • MKZ
    MKZ Posts: 1,068
    edited March 2009
    Is BADA HD-23 better than HD-22SE?
    Burr Brown 1738 vs Burr Brown PCM 1732

    http://www.pacificvalve.us/BDHD23.html

    http://www.pacificvalve.us/BDHD22.html
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  • daboyz
    daboyz Posts: 5,207
    edited March 2009
    When chatting with the tech he said he would do the 22SE.
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited March 2009
    danger boy wrote: »
    I guess i've never really understood mods.. i mean I know why people do them.. but to me it seems like the gains IMHO would be minimal from the stock player.


    Read the mod article on page 35 in November 2008 of Affordable Audio and you'll clearly understand why mods can make such a huge difference.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited March 2009
    Early B. wrote: »
    Read the mod article on page 35 in November 2008 of Affordable Audio and you'll clearly understand why mods can make such a huge difference.

    ok will do. I didn't know where to look. now I do.

    but, but, but.. if a player is well made to begin with.. then do you really need to mod it ? I guess no player is perfect. modding just brings it up closer to being a better player. :confused:
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited March 2009
    danger boy wrote:
    but, but, but.. if a player is well made to begin with.. then do you really need to mod it ? I guess no player is perfect. modding just brings it up closer to being a better player. :confused:

    In the real world there are always compromises. Sure they could build every CDP with the best parts, for the maximum level of performance...but there is a cost of doing so. Not every one wants or needs the best (or willing to pay the price for the best)...so why build to that standard? It is the same for eveything. Why does one car cost $X and another $****. Same with TVs, Refrigerators, cameras, shoes, etc, etc, etc...

    In manufacturing, pennies matter when determining the price of a product. If they can save a few cents (or dollars) on every component that goes into a piece of gear and it meets the needs of the majority of purchasers then they can sell it at a price that will allow them to sell the most units a the best price.

    Not everyone can afford a Lamborghini...but for a fraction of the price, you can buy any number of very nice vehicles that may get you near or better the performance of the Lambo "after modifications" if you chose to do so.
    "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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  • BottomFeeder
    BottomFeeder Posts: 1,684
    edited March 2009
    Yo, DB! Upgrading my cdp is my "last" major upgrade. My man Sean/Zero has pointed me to the same Bada as well.

    Maybe they'll cut us a deal if we buy them together???
    "Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." Bob Seger
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited March 2009
    BottomFeeder wrote: »
    Yo, DB! Upgrading my cdp is my "last" major upgrade. My man Sean/Zero has pointed me to the same Bada as well.

    Maybe they'll cut us a deal if we buy them together???

    that sure would be nice huh?

    At the price point where the Bada 22SE is... and with the recent revamping they did on it... it sure sounds like it would be worth trying out.
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • Stew
    Stew Posts: 645
    edited March 2009
    Has anyone tried a Shanling CD-S100 Mk II? At first, I thought it was the same as the Music Hall CD25.2 but it appears to be a different unit.
    SDA 2B-TL (Sonicap/Solen/Mills, Erse Super Q, Rings, Spikes, No-Rez)
    1000VA Dreadnought
    Dared SL-2000a (Siemens & Halske TM 12AT7WA's, Brimar 5Z4G)
    Jolida JD-100a (Sylvania BP TM Gold Brand 5751's), NAD C275BEE, Blue Jeans

    RTiA3, Onkyo TX-SR605
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  • W WALDECKER
    W WALDECKER Posts: 900
    edited March 2009
    I bought a black faceplate show demo MHZS CD33E upsampling CD player from Pacific Valve and Electric co for a paltry $375.00 with the warranty intact.The unit is very solid and weighs 28 lbs.I replaced the stock tubes with JAN/GE 5760's for $8 a pop and burned it in for 100 hrs before i did any critical listening.It compares very favorably with my HRAM stage 3+ JD100a with full tilt mods and it has adjustible upsampling.I was sceptical but with a 30 day return policy i gave it a shot and i am happy i did.thanks....WCW III
    Rogue Audio stereo 100 tube amplifier - Lector Zoe preamplifier with 6H30 pi's
    .Audience AU24SE speaker and ic cables- Chord Qutest DAC - Black Cat Silverstar II 75ohm digital cable-Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Signature system with large bass cabinets to accommodate 10" Seas magnesium woofers.2xhmpsuownoj.jpg
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited March 2009
    BottomFeeder wrote: »
    Yo, DB! Upgrading my cdp is my "last" major upgrade. My man Sean/Zero has pointed me to the same Bada as well.

    Maybe they'll cut us a deal if we buy them together???

    I did that as well(source upgrade last),,not knocking that,, but for my last system,,I started with the source and worked my way towards the speakers(already had the SDA's) and I'm glad that I did.I'm sure for me,that alot of it was luck,but the little SDA 1C rig that I now have is just great. BTW,, ny final tweak this weekend,hopefully--YMMV--george :)
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • Shizelbs
    Shizelbs Posts: 7,433
    edited March 2009
    If it were me, I'd go with the Rotel.
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  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited March 2009
    Shizelbs wrote: »
    If it were me, I'd go with the Rotel.

    people sure must like the Rotel RCD-1072.. very few of the having been coming up for sale.
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
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  • messiah
    messiah Posts: 1,790
    edited March 2009
    Philips makes a nice unit:

    http://www.amazon.com/Philips-CDC735-5-CD-Changer/dp/B00000JFEP/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1236287455&sr=1-4

    if you're looking for something smaller:

    http://www.amazon.com/Memorex-Disney-Princess-DCD6000-P-player/dp/B000094A5Z/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1236287511&sr=1-1

    or if you're on a budget, there's this one:

    http://www.amazon.com/Marantz-Reference-SA-11S2-Stereo-player/dp/B0013SXSB6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1236287673&sr=1-1

    Hope this helps.:)
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    "The day that I have to give up my constitutional rights AND let some dude rub my junk...well, let's just say that it's gonna be a real bad day for the dude trying to rub my junk!!"
    messiah, November 23rd, 2010
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