Considering getting a CD player (again). Used? New? Criteria?

If, like me, you could get lucky and find a used Modwright either Sony, Oppo, Marantz, of Denon, at of near your price, you would have a really great sounding CD that you could use for a long time.  You will have the best chance of finding the Denon, Sony or Opportunity units used.  It will be the equal or better of extremely expensive machines--read that as ones over $3000 or more new.  I got a Modwright Sony 9000 used for $695 and was floored when I heard it.  I've had 2 different models of Modwright Sony since and I still use the MW Sony 5400.  It has a beautiful like analog sound together with very good dynamic ability and clarity.  The MW's have become a little more expensive and desirable on the used market in the past several years so finding one like I did will take some patience.  However, you will have a player that will take a backseat in sound to very few units and none at this price.  Dan Wright, the designer, stands behind his products even if you bought used from someone else.

Bob

The tray mechanism opening and closing is the single most often repaired item.  The rest rarely goes south.  IF you have a good repair facility near you, Replacing this one item may happen to you one day.  It's not a killer expensive part to have replaced.  I don't buy any component new anymore as you can get much better sound for your money being used.  Just pay attention to a seller's feedback and try to stay with those sellers that have 100% positive feedback.

By the way, the MW Sony 9000 I wrote about was over $3000 new with the MW mods.  Much of the MW's have upgraded parts and things done to make a standard 9000 sound considerably better.

Bob

If you want to buy new, the NAD 546 BEE CD player is top rated for sound in the under $700 price range. I bought a NAD 502 as the first CD player I actually could live with sound wise as I was a longtime record listener. They now have the 546 BEE which is a much better sounding player as NAD always continues improving as the years go by. You can get a brand new player for $546 plus tax. The NAD’s just OK looking, but the sound is very good.

Bob

hilde45,

If you are looking for IC recommendations, look on Audiogon for Acoustic BBQ ICs and speaker cables.  Bill Dion (grannyring) sells Duelund wires with very good connectors at more than reasonable prices.  If you haven't heard of the Schroeder Method of using double sets of ICs to each component, it makes a very significant difference in all ways compared to regular single ICs.  Bill sells a set of double ICs for $289--his regular ones are $179.  This is a super deal.  I have double ICs each needing 4 sets of splitters to do all the connections.  Bill has 2 separate sets of cables all build to do the double so you don't need the splitters at all.  There is more increase in sound quality by doubling the ICs than if you were to double or even triple the price of a single IC from the same manufacturer.  Duelund wires are very natural sounding much like real music.  This idea comes from Doug Schroeder who reviews for Dagogo online.  I guarantee you that all who have heard this configuration will never go back to a single set of ICs.  Bill's speaker cables are also Duelund and he sells them for $379 for an 8 ft. pair.

Bob

hilde45,

You need to check out the ad in US Audio Mart for a MW Sony 999 with the separate power supply and tubes--full mods in other words.  You could get this at VERY near your price point or at it.  ALL the other good players that have been listed will pale in comparison in sound.  This IS the type of buy I mentioned before.  Jack be nibble, Jack be quick...
You can thank me later.

Bob