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Crazy to buy a 17 year old CD Player?

My ARC CD2 just died...I think the laser finally gave up the ghost.  Any how I've got thousands of red book CDs in my library and need a replacement player.  I'm thinking an ARC CD 3MKII or the Mark Levinson 390S.  Am I crazy to be thinking this?  Got a budget of around $2000.00.  My system, though dated, is made up of higher end stuff: ARC 25 pre amp, ARC VT 150 mono amps, VPI TNT IV, Wilson Witts, all running through Transparent Reference (Balanced).
cmcdaniel5
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
886 posts
 
brand new 321 still in box
https://www.paragonsns.com/product/wadia-321/

transport refurb with warranty
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/cd-sacd-players-ps-audio-perfectwave-cd-transport-memory-player-re...
gk1009's avatar
gk1009
2 posts
 
 For a solid cd player look for an A.D.S CD3 or CD4, in the 80's  a CD3 was 2k, they are bullet proof having been developed by BRAUN. For info call Cosmophonic Sound in NYC they provide  service and have a great rep.
shoff
133 posts
 
I've seen  Esoteric X05 CD/SACD players go for $2200.  Amazing player!
mdiaz
54 posts
 
Within you budget I would suggest the Oppo also. If you can go higher I suggest the PSADUDIO DSP. Incredible unit!!!
mahler123
3,031 posts
 
To the OP question, Yes it would be crazy to buy a 17 year old cdp.
chances are the laser or transport won't last and be difficult to replace as many have noted.  More importantly the DAC probably won't be as good as many that are obtainable on your budget and you won't have flexibility going forward if you wish to branch into other digital sources.
  The Oppo 205 makes a lot of sense.  It is 60% of your budget.
it has a really good DAC.  It will play DVDs and Blu Rays.  it will add a bunch of options that you may never wish to use, but if you do, you're covered, namely: multichannel, computer audio, and streaming.  It has good customer service, which you probably won't get on a 17 year old CDP
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