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Suggestions for New CD Player

I'm looking for a new CD player, modestly priced under $1,500, that will  work well with a 2-channel system featuring B&W 804S floorstanders, a McIntosh MC402 power amp, and a Magnum Dynalab MD208 receiver used as a preamp.

My wife and I mostly listen to classical music, and have an extensive CD collection, particularly heavy in orchestral (e.g., Mahler, Beethoven) and opera (Wagner, Verdi) and piano/violin.  (My wife is a Julliard-trained musician.)   Pre-pandemic, we were frequent concert-goers, preferring about rows 8-15.  We also rock out on occasion. We appreciate fine equipment, but we're music-lovers rather than true audiophiles.

We previously had a Consonance Droplet CD player (tubed, nice sound quality, when it worked, which wasn't often enough) and a Lexicon RT-20 (a little harsh, and wouldn't play many discs).  I won't buy a used player.  In my experience, CD mechanisms are the most fragile of all components.

I realize I'm asking a lot at this price point, but life itself is compromise.  Don't really care about wireless capability or digital files.  SACD is nice, but redbook capability is what really matters to us.  Considering Cambridge Audio 851, Rega Apollo, but open to suggestions.

Your thoughts?






gg107
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
That was because you liked sound of your Consonance Droplet CD player (which is R2R multibit), and so you should look for the same d/a conversion system, which is what I tried to explain above, read it slowly, and you will get it. And put a - after the nos.

Sorry use the (CTRL F) not S
Here is a sample search (there are 51 to look at)  image for you on a PCM1704-k my favouite https://ibb.co/hghWvBQ

Cheers George
challatt's avatar
challatt
4 posts
 
I just added a Marantz CD 6007. It sounds excellent.
Great value at $499 plus tax.
hickamore
523 posts
 
A cdp "could be prone to issues." In English, would this mean it might not work? That it might malfunction? Prove unreliable? Bust? Can you imagine David Copperfield being told "don't marry Dora, she could be prone to issues?" 
wallyaudio's avatar
wallyaudio
16 posts
 
I bought a Yamaha CD-S1000 last year.  The ‘Yammie’ is well built, the tray that holds the CD is substantial.  Analog and optical digital out.  Plays SACD.  I bought it to be my last investment in CD technology and I’m very pleased.  It’s around $1300 new.
speakermaster
738 posts
 
I have had or personally seen a lot of problems with cambridge and rega cd players i would go for a widely distributed brand if you have any problems from a dealer in your area their are a lot of fine players for under 1500 dollars new and used. The key is a reputable dealer if you do have issues because new cd players are not made like the originals for sure.
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