FS: California Audio Labs DX-1 CD player

I recently picked up a really clean example of the CAL DX-1. Just wanted to hear how this quasi legendary CD player compared to my newer Sony. I've been playing with it for a while now and I've had some time to listen and compare it directly to my fine SDC-333ES. I've got to tell you, it beats the Sony, not by much, but definitely better. Slightly better imaging, smoother highs, more natural sound. Pretty good considering the Sony was a $1000 player that allegedly was sold well below cost (to establish SACD).

Problem is, I'm just not willing to give up my SACD, and I can't really justify having two CD players in my system (not to mention lack of space in my rack!)...

So, its for sale.

At the time the DX-1 came out (1993-1996; MSRP-$595), it was frequently recommended along with the slightly cheaper Marantz CD-63SE in the best "under $1000 CD player" category. As many of you know, the Marantz is still considered a very nice sounding player, and has a huge following, especially in the DIY Mod community. I had a Marantz CD-63SE for quite some time, and I tell you, this CAL DX-1 is a much better built player, with what I think is a more natural sound. It has a nice IEC power cord, a robust CD mechanism, a sealed transformer, fully discrete output (NO OP-AMPS!), a thick plate across the inside that holds the mechanism above the circuit board. It also has a coax digital output if you just want to use it as a transport. **This player has no problems at all playing my CD-Rs. I haven't tried any RW.**

This player is in great shape, no major cosmetic flaws. The top/sides are scratch free. The front is essentially perfect. there are some faint scratches in the display cover that can be seen up close. This player uses a back-lit LCD rather than a LED display. I’d say it’s a solid 8.0/10 to be conservative. The only negative is that I don’t have the remote or a manual for this player.

I've seen these sell recently on Audiogon for more than $200. Ebay seems to easily fetch $150+ for clean examples. I'd consider this a pretty clean example.

I'm asking $130+actual shipping by FedEx Ground. The shipping cost will work out to something like $18 for West Coast, $10 or less for East Coast. It will be overpacked in my usual manner (see my Ebay feedback, same user name) which means it will add about 5 lbs to the shipped weight.

I'm in no rush and it’s the holidays, so I'll keep it here for a couple weeks at least. Sometime after the New Year, it will go for sale elsewhere.


If interested, post here first, then send a PM. I want to keep the dibs order clear.