Discogs is by far the best place to buy CDs -- especially out of print titles. But you will find new discs, as well from sellers such as C.C.Music. Ebay can be good, although in my experience grading is not as reliable. Same goes for Amazon Marketplace. I guess it depends upon how picky you are about condition. Most of the carelessly graded discs I’ve had to return have been bought from these two sites.
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@klimt I don’t know if you’re near any swap meets. That’s where I get most of mine. Super cheap, depending on the vendor 2 for a buck, 3 for 5, etc. I always come home with at least 10 every time the wiff and I go. |
@klimt I've had/have 3 streamers - The HEOS streamer built into my Marantz integrated amp, a Node which I got for a bedside headphone unit while recovering from shoulder replacement surgery, And most recently a WIIM Ultra for my office system because I needed the EQ functionality. Honestly, all 3 are great. I tried multiple streaming services, and landed on Amazon music with the Ultra HD upgrade. Even using My HiFiman Sundaras, the differences between services was so small and so random as to be not meaningful. If I thought a track might sound a tiny bit better on Qobuz or Tidal, another might sound a tiny bit better on Amazon. And, since I'm already a Prime member, it was kinda a no brainer. In addition, Unlimited offers an expanded catalog plus Atmos audio mixes which are playable on Dolby Atmos soundbars, Android or iOS devices, and the Amazon Echo Studio. Since I have a Sonos Arc soundbar in our main bedroom, I get to enjoy Atmos there as well as in our theater. I also have a pair of Echo Studios - the worlds least expensive Atmos system, although they're not my favorite, I am most impressed with the WIIM Ultra. What it offer for $329 is simply mind boggling, I like having a display, and the headphone amp is adequate for my very hard to drive Sundaras. The Node required an outboard headphone amp to be usable, My Marantz amps headphone amps are also adequate, Pro Tip: whatever streamer you decide on, They all use your phone or tablet as controllers. Consider getting a simple Android tablet as a dedicated controller, so you don't have to rely on having your phone on hand at all times. Alternatively, you can integrate the WIIM with an Amazon Echo for hands-off voice control |
Most of your local record stores sell used CD's. Their prices will be a little higher than thrift stores but the CD's are categorized so you can browse more quickly and intentionally and will have been inspected for obvious defects and broken jewel cases. But the bargains are in the thrift stores if you have the time and patience. Good hunting! |
