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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
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. 

vuch's avatar
vuch
209 posts
 

I had my Sony 302ES CD player restored last year. I don't use it much these days because my preferred source is vinyl and then streaming. However, I bought a couple of CDs in the last month and it has been a treat using the player again.

I got a promo copy of Mazzy Star - Among My Swan. The CD blows away streaming from Qobuz! I use an Audioquest Cobalt Dragonfly DAC running through my laptop. Qobuz always seemed to beat the CD player and vinyl set up before I upgraded the TT and cartridge. The other CD I bought also sounds better than streaming. It's also a promo copy. I wouldn't think that would matter as much as it does with vinyl but hearing is believing. 

I really like the Sony 302ES, I think it's a second generation CD player. It has a metal case and robust build. The tray is sleek, fast with a satisfying movement and sound. It's circa 1985. I'm not sure how much they go for now but it might be worth tracking one down.

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