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Searching for a new CD player

I would like to purchase either a new or used CD player.  Budget is about $600.  My biggest priority is finding one that will play CD's that contain some scuffs and scratches.  My current Yamaha 300 model that is a few years old does not do well in that respect.  I've read the Audiolab 6000cdt transport is good with CD's in bad condition but I will then need to add a DAC.  Not sure if any of the less expensive DAC's like the Cambridge Audio DAC Magic 100 is worth the cost since it appears to be about ten years old now.  Wondering if buying a new Marantz CD6007 or Rotel CD11 Tribute might be better since the DAC's are newer?  I noted the new Music Hall C DAC 15.3 is pretty good at handling troublesome CD's.  

Or would there be some used CD players that might outshine the new models mentioned?
will62
2psyop's avatar
2psyop
1,502 posts
 
I offer another alternative... I too had been searching for a newer CD player. I found a new old stock Bluesound Vault. I decided to start the long process of adding my CDs to the vault hard drive to have a FLAC file of all my CDs. When I buy a CD I add it to the Vault, but mostly I get CDs from libraries because I am cheap and add them to my Vault collection. Additionally I have an audio streaming device (another function of the Vault) for Spotify, Tidal and other streaming services. Now I have all my CDs available to play and a growing collection of new music. I think I paid $850 for the Bluesound Vault.
adg101
1,057 posts
 
Agree with 2psyop to pick up a BS Vault then later add a better DAC. Pick up Qobuz and start streaming. I don’t think I’ve played more than a handful of disc through my Cambridge or Oppo since streaming... why bother? I get it though as today I purchased three NOS sealed TDK SA-C90 cassette tapes from 1975-77 for my NAK that’s also collecting dust.
jafant
18,803 posts
 
will62

Did you purchase a new Cd player? Update us.

Happy Listening!
will62 OP
177 posts
 
Jafant.  Just checking back in again.  I got sidetracked from the search for either a new CD player or DAC.  Been involved with a number of things including OT at work and also my radio station work and relocation in a few months.  

Will be back on this next month.  Currently upgrading cables first and then I will work on the CD player.  
will62 OP
177 posts
 
2pysop.   Unfortunately this is not an option.   I have well over 2,000 CD's and the amount of time to burn them isn't there.  I just spent over a year burning and recording around 6,0000 songs for my radio station's playlist (three different formats) and that had to be done while working around other things including a full time job with OT.  Will have to stick with either a new CD player or DAC.

My money situation is better thanks to a nice raise at work and I will likely buy a new CD player and a DAC.   Leaning towards the Rotel models  especially the 11 thanks to the late Ken I's involvement with the design.  DAC will be for the Onkyo CD player.  I have three systems and can use both.  

Does anyone know how well the Rotel's handle CD's that skip occasionally?  
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