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Need a new CD player. Suggestions please.

The past 3 years I've put together a modest new system including a NAD C538 that is failing.  It doesn't sound as good as it used to even with an external DAC and if you skip a track it doesn't play the first few seconds of the next track.

Looking for a replacement has been frustrating.  My  last CD player was a Sony ES 400 disc changer that played everything including SACD.  I almost wish I hadn't let it go when I moved.

The CD players that appeal to me are in the $3k to $5k range.  I'm not sure I want to spend that much.  Can somebody recommend a new CD player for $1k or less?  I'm fine with a transport and don't mind using an external DAC.  I have a smattering of SACD's but a non SACD player wouldn't be the end of the world.

Thanks in  advance for any suggestions.

emuagogo
jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,646 posts
 

Advance Paris tube cdp.

sierratrails
20 posts
 

After owning the best of the Sony CD players, the CDP 302, it died and the replacement Marantz was a poor second. Replaced that quickly with a Jolida JD 100 and used it for 8 years. But, the best of the best is what we have now, a Audio Note  CD 3.1x/II. Nothing else has come close. Its build in DAC is incredible. Our speakers (Quad ESL-57s) are very picky, We listen to nothing but CDs and and we now have the perfect system. It ain't cheap, but you might be able to pick one up used.

charliecheese
41 posts
 

If you're willing to spend a little more and use a CD transport, I'd recommend this. Got one earlier this year. I use it in combination with a Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M and a Wyred4Sound Remedy Reclocker. Every time I listen to a CD it feels like I'm hearing the music for the first time. More definition, deeper soundstage - everything that I listen for was vastly improved. One of the best purchases I've ever made.

https://www.amazon.com/Audiolab-9000CDT-Flagship-Transport-Player/dp/B0FDM4N997/ref=sr_1_11?crid=1L8M207MQ02VH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TUN3vvlxycA26oy3TZSPSdbkBF1NC0Pp4jiq9rCaaqXuQacWwP6859ZCSiQ4byjpuyRqyI0IKtwGZRFSNaQjuiQSjsaikQU7bphf5HAATiVHSYhZgK-LyPNzrtoerp9g07XFhzWs84h8_2uZ3K4d03zTSceUKz52eCSY2jeIDTbnFe-7hdev_LHxu0tjP5LJw_VeOGNTYx7KFK_uoKqmErpR4mTPlHur_hL_UdXXNUw.Wn2oZhxLi8h9rsfd5Bf1lrBvS18_ttHyc24w4fQ1SU4&dib_tag=se&keywords=audiolab+cd+transport&qid=1758537263&sprefix=audiolab+cd%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-11

dynacohum
842 posts
 

The Ayre CX8 is the best I’ve heard.  There’s one on USAM right now for $2599.00.

 

infection's avatar
infection
811 posts
 

From the players & transports I’ve owned the Cambridge CXC transport is excellent & great value. 

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