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Help picking a CD player

I have been shopping for a new or used CD player that is a step or two above the standard retail offerings. I’ve already had my share of Sony ES, Pioneer Elite, Yamaha, and lower end Luxman. My favorite for sound was a Nakamichi but it kept having issues.

my search has narrowed to 4 interesting options under $1000 (Canadian), delivered to my door.

1. Used - April Music Stello CDA 500

2. Used - Roksan K3 CD DI

3. New - Creek Audio 4040

4 New - SMSL PL200 T

I would appreciate the input of the collective genius that is Audiogon!

pippi
bigtwin's avatar
bigtwin
1,625 posts
 

If you are looking for a straight CD transport, I would suggest the Audiolab 7000CDT which is in your budget new, or possibly the 9000CDT on the used market?

Cheers

jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
1,109 posts
 

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650228095-bryston-bcd-1-cd-player-and-remote-control/

 

Also a BCD1 on AG

mksun
866 posts
 

+1 for the Audiolab transport assuming you have a decent DAC.  I had the 6000CDT many years and it performed flawlessly. I have since upgraded to the Jay’s Audio CDT2 MK3 transport. A separate CD transport and DAC will usually outperform an equivalent priced CD player. 

mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
6,483 posts
 

Fantastic unit.  Many great reviews:

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisbfhi9-onkyo-c-7030-cd-sacd-players

pmm
250 posts
 

but it kept having issues.

Not unusual.

All the reason not to spend too much for a CDP.

and avoid the budget ones.

Seems to me, $1500 to $2000 is a good range. Those are the quality makes and are worth the repair cost. Under $1000, they become throwaways.

Audiolab makes a good transport. Rotel makes good sounding CD players

Stay away from Used.

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