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Thinking about a new, lower end CD Player

My current CD player is a basic, older Sony, probably 10-12 years old. Works fine but I could use it in another location with a lower end system. It seems to sound about as good as my Arcam CD92 that lost its DAC a while back.

So now thinking about buying a new CDP and have a couple of questions.

I’d like to keep this in the $300-500 range for units with internal DAC. Not looking for SACD player. Other than a remote, not looking for special features or multi disk players.

I’m guessing that in this price range SQ is probably comparable to other units in that range.

First, is a CDP in this price range going to sound any better than the old Sony?
Second, if not, is there any reason not to just buy a comparable $200 unit?
Third, for units in this price range ($300-500) is there any reason to look for one with balanced output capability and if so, is there any way to know if it is truly balanced.

Thanks all,

George


n80

Showing 3 responses by djones51

djones51
4,947 posts
 
I was thinking it might be better than the dac in the Sony  which you are using in your main system now and you could use the sony in the second system and not lose any SQ while utilizing the transport from the Arcam. Of course it might not be all the better you already have an external dac to give it a try. 
djones51
4,947 posts
 
If the transport still works on the arcam you could get an external dac like a schiit modi for $99. I have an older 10 year old Onkyo that I only use for a transport even though the dac still works the newer dac in my integrated sounds a lot better even to my wife. 
djones51
4,947 posts
 
The only CD players I know in that price range with balanced are professional players like tascam or denon that also record . I believe Emotiva? might make one around $600 with balanced. Is there a reason you need balanced? 
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