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

After years without one, I'm considering getting a CD player. I'm not against streaming, but I have many CD's and would like the simplicity of just playing them from time to time. I probably want to cap my expenditure at $700, or so, because this won't be the only way I play music.

A few questions:
If you've purchased a new CD player, what did you buy? Why?
If you've purchased a used player, how old is too old? What factors helped you choose?

My concern with used is that the transport mechanism of older players will be getting tired, and this won't be knowable just because a unit "checks out" with the site (or individual) testifying to the player's working condition. There's got to be an average point for many machines to give up the ghost, mechanically (varying from machine to machine, of course).
hilde45
tweak1
3,766 posts
 
I bought a Oppo 105 new, but you can find used ones around $800. I bought mine strictly for hi-rez CDs as I had a heavily moded Pioneer PD 65. Eventually the 65 died. While I was researching what to buy I used the Oppo exclusively. Eventually I came across a little known Marantz HD CD 1, which is 2/3 the physical size of the regular models. It's built like a tank, handsome, and has all the current outs.

My Audio Alchemy/Pre has a built in dac, so I only ever used the HDCD-1 as a transport. It is quite a good buy at ~ $600.

I recall early reviews of the 105 saying that more exotic players used the innards but made certain upgrades, especially to the power supply. So I bought one from Ebay for < $200, which raised the level of the 105 to a point I no longer use the Marantz.

I have seen slightly used 105s for ~ $800

hth
mesch
3,530 posts
 
Suggest using your Audioengine D1 and purchase either the Cambridge of Audiolab transport. Search digital forums here, a couple posters who have tried both say the sound of the Audiolab is better. I purchased the Cambridge due to the closeout price of the original (I paid $325). Was considering the Audiolab also. You will buy time for researching the DAC/streamer market. 
moofoo
295 posts
 
I have been through this as well. 95% vinyl listening but have a great collection of CDs not available on vinyl. For a $700 budget I would buy a NEW transport at best deal I could get, and spend the rest on the best USED Schitt DAC I could find. I had a compact Cambridge CD player in another system that I use as a Transport in my main system now. I am satisfied with the sound and, as others upgrade their DACs being into digital much more than I, I can upgrade the DAC if so inclined in the future. My system is posted here on Agon. The inexpensive little DAC has made me enjoy my CD collection more. Good luck in your solution! 
kcroyals
59 posts
 
I bought the Audiolab 6000cdt last year. Paired it to a Schiit DAC and have been very happy with the result.
moofoo
295 posts
 
I also looked hard at the compact Marantz CD player at Music Direct which would sound good, but met my needs by using what I had and only buying a used DAC and keeping the DAC upgrade, and transport upgrade for that matter, open. Used all that extra money on more vinyl! 
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