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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
emuagogo OP
46 posts
 

I think I've decided to try the Audiolab 9000CDT.  Now I need to find a DAC to go with it......

sls883
1,056 posts
 

Looks like an excellent transport. 

You'll get lots of dac recommendations.  Whatever you get, don't underestimate the role of the digital cable. I tried several coaxial cables and the best in my system is the Acoustic Zen mc2 cable. 

realgoodsound
100 posts
 

Look at the new Advance Paris X-CD9. It's a bit over your $1k budget ($1,399). Great sounding and looking.

deer_creek_audio's avatar
deer_creek_audio
108 posts
 

If you want to have the greatest audio experience and also get the most use out of your CD collection you should seriously consider ripping the CDs and using Roon.
This makes them a snap to play to any Roon ready device. Also with all of the tremendous metadata resources, Roon takes you on a musical adventure every time you choose an album, song or artist. You not only rid yourself of all the distortions associated with CD transport, you also open up the flexibility of choosing the best DACs and amplifiers 
One great player that is Roon ready is the miniDSP SHD

erock79
54 posts
 

I replied earlier suggesting the Marantz 30n but see you are trying to stay under $1000. In that range I have been super impressed with the Rotel CD-11 Tribute. So much value for the Monday and I enjoy mine very much. Not SACD. 

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