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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 1 response by kahlenz

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kahlenz
260 posts
 
I have a Cambridge 640 that I use digital out to whatever DAC I'm using at the moment.  When the drawer stopped working, I took it out of the system and used an inexpensive Samsung Blu-Ray player (fortunately, I had the foresight to get one with a digital output).  Other than a small amount of mechanical noise (un-noticeable when playing music), it sounded the same as the Cambridge when playing through the same DAC.

Today, I use TIDAL and stream to my DAC.  Yes, the interface is clunky for classical music, but I can usually find what I am searching for.  I still keep and buy the occasional CD, but 90% of my CD collection is on TIDAL.  The new CDs are RIPed and played using iTunes or Roon.  The CD player (now fixed - just needed cleaning) goes for months sometimes without being used.
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