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

If you decide to go the separate cd transport and DAC route don't go the cheap transport route e.g. the Cambridge or Audiolab mentioned above , they are okay but you will be under optimizing the DAC.  I had the Cambridge and moved on , it was pretty clear once I did. 

I haven't used a Canor or Gato CD player but Atelier 13 (I am not "affiliated" with them just a customer)  has deals on each one a demo, one a stock rotation a bit over $3K each.  You can find reviews online if interested.  Links below, just need to scroll to see the units

https://www.atelier13-usa.com/dealer-audio-component-demo-sales

https://www.atelier13-usa.com/new-dealer-audio-stock-rotation-sales

This is a great time to just abandon the CD and move to streaming. Depending on your DAC, if you are going to spend that much money... I would get the highest quality streamer. You'll get access to about very CD you own and a million more for ~$12/ months with Qobuz. There is no innate sonic advantage to physical media. I'd start looking at Bluesound streamers, and consider a used Aurender. 

I have the Rotel RCD 1572 MKII.  I Bought it from Crutchfield for under 1K.  It sounds great and allows for XLR connection to your preamp or receiver.  It has A useful remote.  Highly recommended. 

I'd go for the Denon DVD 1700. Never had much luck with Sony any personally 

Onkyo Integra CDC 3.4 is still sold new,

I researched, I got one, and highly recommend it for sound quality and convenience. I later got and use the xa5400es to also play my sacds in my main system,, kept this and use it in another system,

it beat 9 other players I tried, so if no other good choice appears, and you can live with the CD layer of your hybrid sacds, it is very easy to listen, keep or free return to Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Integra-Premium-Carousel-Changer-CDC-3-4/dp/B07F466BX5/ref=sr_1_3?crid=C01P7Q20RTWK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KuXgWF5Ffkpw9nB9i1w0Wg9qzzjM0gneeVcR40_QBcU-31yui2IgS254UQttvt4djO2mV1bDxcSXvro3QunSDqL9K77LcEpDeAFaKoZmeRz17ZgIa3OkJ_8p5GRNYIBqT75yd1xdmFoCN18lTlYmkxwKL0uMgfWzwq6NpLcBgNwyijn-BW3O1EH8_-mEoVllTAjOqNpQ4j6bAkP3hijh35c3mSAqi4lCKKzxif78ftU.JGJVF1Kvj8g-3SBG-LozFcS2lle3K9eOEWgCsa1FEDg&dib_tag=se&keywords=onkyo+cdc&qid=1758572722&sprefix=onkyo+cdc%2Caps%2C74&sr=8-3

Later, if a great deal on a used SACD player pops up, keep this, get the used one, use it till it dies.

how do you feel about open box deals, they also offer extended warrantys

https://listenup.com/products/integra-cdc-3-4-6-disc-cd-carousel-clearance-open-box?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22985093272&gbraid=0AAAAAo_KcOKu0AVKrO4D2hgy8wP6xOMDf&gclid=Cj0KCQjw58PGBhCkARIsADbDilxVzkxV0oeyJxbDqDPCqNRsjZ2361gVsaPCLo2zgNIbuP-9mo0nh6UaAgqdEALw_wcB

or, refurb (return checked/fixed/repackaged with full 2 yr onkyo warranty

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/intcdc34/integra-cdc-3.4-6-disc-carousel-cd-changer/1.html?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17072052928&gbraid=0AAAAAD_tMtITi7wyQVyhuyg1DejDx4w-o&gclid=Cj0KCQjw58PGBhCkARIsADbDilyLx5oGk60JHwl312zOKMMzCHZBB4NllduL2gPR4L81r6y6rg08CREaAn69EALw_wcB