Well, the biggest problem here is that the transport will stop working and be unrepairable because the parts are obsolete and unavailable. This happens all the time. My $1600.00 player sits in it's box because of this. Digital moves so fast that you can't count on repairability of older players. It is possible that Audio Research has stocked up on repacements and could service the unit if necessary, but I wouldn't count on it.
Buying top brands's older CD players: Pros& Con
I recently saw an ad in a magazine audio mark for a Audio Research used/good condition CD-1 CD player; i might be able to negotiate a lower price It was reviewed well in Stereophile in 2005, but in the high end business that is already ancient history. However, has anybody ever heard or owned this machine?? Is the technology of the model and its sound possibly been bypassed by the newer CD players of the last 3 years. The CD-1 first came to market in 1995 which makes me leery of buying; I currently have a Rega Apollo, but want to make a noticeable upgrade in sound, e.g, smoother highs, better bass and imagng Thank you