Opinions on CD changers

mrbofus wrote: »

I keep hearing that, My old technics that is finally giving out has lasted 20 years so is that the exception and not the rule?

My experience with changers is limited. There have been some suggestions from folks here whom I trust have more than I. But I will say with confidence: yes, your experience is the exception rather than the rule.

On a more personal level, I just don't understand why one would sacrifice fidelity for convenience where audio is concerned. I am certain there are reasons for some, but not for me.

vc69 wrote:

On a more personal level, I just don't understand why one would sacrifice fidelity for convenience where audio is concerned. I am certain there are reasons for some, but not for me.

What makes you think one must sacrifice fidelity? Sony's ES players (including changers) are some of the best in their price range both in build quality and SQ. Sony has always done CDPs well. Their chassis, lasers and mechanisms have long been used as a base for several company's "modded" players (Ah! and Heart come to mind). With a little money and time, folks like SACD-mods and others can take a base Sony and make it into something that rival many "audiophile" machines.

Do Sony entry level players have issues?...probably...but name me a company who doesn't compromise on their entry level stuff.

NAD made severeal very good changers. Rotel still makes the RCC-1055 changer which is an excellent CDP and is the equal to the RCD-1072 which is a highly regarded single disc player. I know because I've compared them side to side.

Marantz currently and Denon have made some well regarded changers as well.

It seems everyone just assumes that you give up something with a changer vs a single disc CDP. My experience is that doesn't have to be the case.

shack wrote: »

What makes you think one must sacrifice fidelity? Sony's ES players (including changers) are some of the best in their price range both in build quality and SQ. Sony has always done CDPs well. Their chassis, lasers and mechanisms have long been used as a base for several company's "modded" players (Ah! and Heart come to mind). With a little money and time, folks like SACD-mods and others can take a base Sony and make it into something that rival many "audiophile" machines.

Do Sony entry level players have issues?...probably...but name me a company who doesn't compromise on their entry level stuff.

NAD made severeal very good changers. Rotel still makes the RCC-1055 changer which is an excellent CDP and is the equal to the RCD-1072 which is a highly regarded single disc player. I know because I've compared them side to side.

Marantz currently and Denon have made some well regarded changers as well.

It seems everyone just assumes that you give up something with a changer vs a single disc CDP. My experience is that doesn't have to be the case.

I would agree that there are exceptions to my general statement. I have heard very good things about the ES line from Sony. But for $300, I would imagine "entry-level" is where the OP is going to land with regard to a changer. For that money, he could find a good sounding single-disc player. I have hated every changer I have ever had contact with is all I am saying.

That is true, and although CD changers do have problems, I can tell you with 100% certainty that anything with moving parts will have a problem at some point. CD changers do offer alot of convenience. I mean you can find a Sony CDP CX355 for about $170, and either pocket the difference or get a DAC.

I'd have to agree, never had any reading problems with my cheaper Sonys and they're not 'bad' even without a better outboard DAC. Of course they could use the DACs.

cnh