High End CDP's that play CD-R & CD-RW's?

Try Sony SCD-XA777ES. It's a find single box CDP, not to mention being one of the best 2CH SACD, and MCH SACD player, IMHO of course.

In my experience, the ability of CD players to play CD-R's is usually dependent on the MEDIA and not on the actual transport. It is very important to have correct recording and a blank that has good enough reflectivity. I've had luck with the better Sony 80 min CD-R's. The cheapo CD-R's won't play most of the time... The CD-RW's usually don't play on CD only players because of the extremely low reflectivity of the disk. I have seen them work in SACD players and cheaper Yamaha's though.

I recently upgraded from a Denon DCD1650AR to a Meridian 508.24. The difference was overwhelming. While both players are capable of playing CD-R and CD-RW, sonically the 508 easily surpassed the 1650 across the board.

There are definitely players that can't play CDR / CDRW based on the transport in them. As Buckingham points out, there are also instances where some will play, some won't. I have used a Sony DVD player as a transport for quite some time and regularly play CDRs on it - never a problem.

The Sony XA777ES suggestion above is certainly a good one for all the reasons listed. You should be able to get one brand new for about your target price (try www.oade.com). The latest rev. of the Muse Model 9 can play those formats as well as MP3. It's a great sounding player and doubles as a DVD player if that's of interest. It doesn't do SACD which, if that appeals to you, probably makes the Sony a better choice. The Muse is also more expensive - for a used Model 9 Signature, you're looking at $2500-2800. Money well spent in my opinion, but more than you're looking to spend possibly. -Kirk

I have a Sony DVD player that won't play CDRs at all, even Sony media. My Electrocompaniet EMC-1 and Marantz SA-1 play all CDRs, no matter the brand of blank disk. An older Marantz 67SE also plays CDRs. You need to try a recorded CDR on the machine you're thinking of buying, esp. if it's a Sony.

I have had no problem playing all diffrent types of CDRs on either a Wadia 860x or a Meridian 506.24.

I have the electrocompaniet and there are CDR discs it will not play. In fact, most CD-R's give it a problem. I have found that by using a CD-R that is burned at 2x or 4x, you will have fewer problems. The EMC-1 can and does play CD-R's.

Count this as another vote for the Sony XA777ES, really a great-sounding CD player that also plays CDRs and CD-RWs. Consider the SACD capability a bonus. BTW, I've tried at least l0 brands of CDRs and never had a problem with either the Sony or a predecessor Pioneer DV 4l4 (modded). Even the el-cheapos you could see through, Just lucky I guess.

Count this as another vote for the Sony XA777ES, really a great-sounding CD player that also plays CDRs and CD-RWs. Consider the SACD capability a bonus. BTW, I've tried at least l0 brands of CDRs and never had a problem with either the Sony or a predecessor Pioneer DV 4l4 (modded). Even the el-cheapos you could see through, Just lucky I guess.

Thanks for all the responses to my post; sounds like I have a lot of good options. A question for the folks recommending the Sony XA777ES: have any of you had any of the problems with it that I've read about? (As I recall it's some kind of clunking mechanical noise that occurs intermittantly......)

Some older CD players simply will not play CD-R. A few others are sensitive to the quality of the media. I've had great luck using bargain basement el-cheapo CD-R's in my Sony XA7ES, Adcom GCD-700, Sony car CD player, Cary 306/200, Sony DVP-S7700 DVD player. However, none of my CD players will play CD-RW and this is typically the norm and really not an issue for me.... CD-R's being so cheap and "throw away" these days.

Unless you have some compelling need to play SACD, I would highly recommend getting a quality "redbook" only CD player. It's no secret that I'm a real Cary fan. Look into the Cary 303/200 - $3000 LIST but often discounted.