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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
sls883
1,058 posts
 

Inexpensive dacs with ESS chips won't sound good.  A high quality dac with ESS chips (that is properly designed) will.  It's well documented that the implementation of the analog stage is more important that the chipset.

R2R dacs aren't universally good, either. 

 

vitussl101's avatar
vitussl101
296 posts
 

One of my favorite Brit audio writers, Paul Rigby, has a nice review of the 9000CDT  with comparisons to other machines, mixes, matchups, and Audiolabs   6000CDT Transport.

lucky_doggg7
133 posts
 

This is the peanut gallery chiming in here to add a suggestion to this post.  I vote that you go listen/audition Luxman’s brand spankin’ new redbook & MQA CD player (but not SACD; you’ll need to step up to the significantly more expensive D-07x for that privilege.)  

I like the Luxman’s musical and smooth presentation; this does not have that typical analytical sound, and no warmth.  To be honest, I’ve upgraded and now use my Luxman as a transport to the D-03R’s predecessor, that being the D-03x.  I use a tube DAC in the Audio Research DAC 9, with 6H30P-DR tubes, which makes a nice difference.  If this is out of the question, then perhaps a Shanling or Fiio player, which has garnered some nice reviews, costs much less, and has some cool tech mixed in with it.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4Vyxd9s1gA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLhmC1nu8FU

Happy CD player hunting!smiley

 

 

 

 

sls883
1,058 posts
 

OP, if you want dac suggestions specific to your system, you might start a new post with a different title. Let people know what you have and your budget. 

vthokie83
1,224 posts
 

OP

Lot's of DAC recommendations are going to come your way, though I did not see your budget.....the recommendations will change based on that. I can deduce (from your original budget and the 9000s $1,500 purchase price, that it is $2,000 to $3,500?

My $2,000 recommendation is super easy to make, the Denafrips Pontus 15th. It is the same the next level up Venus 12th. Do some reading, but in my opinion it is the best DAC $3,000 or less.....does most everything right, and nothing wrong, and is a tremendous bargain

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