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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
lanx0003
1,954 posts
 

Basically, the PL200 is the PL200t plus a $200 AKM DAC. However, you lose the following:

  1. The ability to upgrade to a high-quality linear power supply

  2. The ability to upgrade to a higher-level DAC

  3. External master clock input

  4. I²S connection

I wouldn’t have high expectations for a $200 AKM-based DAC. I’ve owned several well-reviewed SMSL DACs in that price range and, while they sounded good, the soundstage was quite flat. The two DACs I later upgraded to were far more satisfying, providing not only greater height but also more depth to the soundstage with pin-point image.

lanx0003
1,954 posts
 

If you do not want spend $1k to upgrade the DAC, consider this.  For $350, you have DAC, remote (volume), and preamp.  Coupled with a capable DDC, the combo almost sound as good as BiFrost II and Harmony uDAC. 

stephengordon
11 posts
 

Could I suggest something along the lines of the Shanling ET3 transport? Use for now with your DAC and then down the road - add in a DDC I2S - such as a Denefrips Iris.

It just slides in around your budget - and I can vouch for the impact of a DDC/I2S combo. Love CD but currently pulled to my MacBook Air, USB-C into the DDC, I2S out to the Pegasus DAC, and wow... downstream I have a modest Rega pre and Shanling 80 tube amp and Maggie 1.7s.

emuagogo OP
46 posts
 

Sigh....  So complicated compared to when I put together my first system in '83/84.  Not many choices back then and no internet shopping.  Ended up with the Aiwa clone of the Sony at the time.  Worked well until I finally upgraded to a SonyES.  Used Sony players until a move 3 years ago and purchased the NAD player that now needs to be replaced.  I may just order the Onkyo 6 disc changer and take a breath and do some reading.  I miss my stereo shops.  

 

emuagogo OP
46 posts
 

I appreciate everyone's contributions and welcome further discussion about how to find something that will suit me.  It also seems if I'm going to get what should be an upgraded player/transport I will have to find a new DAC to compliment it.  I have a whole bunch of questions on that subject.  Don't know if my system would have any impact on my choices...

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