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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
robert53
556 posts
 

dweller, too many people are streaming music now so they feel the market isn't there anymore.

robert53
556 posts
 

dishman442, I hope you read my post.

emuagogo OP
46 posts
 

Since I've decided to disregard my budget and purchase the Audiolab 9000CDT I'm going to need a DAC.  Any reason to not purchase the Audiolab D9 DAC to go along with it?  I would think using the same brand DAC that they would compliment each other!?

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,441 posts
 

Congratulations on the transport, 

Now the DAC is a much more critical decision. It is going to determine the overall character of the sound you get. The Audiolab is a very detailed, crisp sounding DAC. While I have not heard it, the descriptions of the sound are not natural sounding... I (and that is me) would go running the other way from this. Inexpensive ESS DAC implementations to me are on the trebly fatiguing side. 
 

I recommend lots of research before going this direction. It may be good for you if the rest of your system is warm and natural sounding. I don't remember the rest of your system. 

emuagogo OP
46 posts
 

DAC recommendations are welcome.  McIntosh and Klipsch system.

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