+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.
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!
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- 22 posts total
Fantastic unit. Many great reviews: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisbfhi9-onkyo-c-7030-cd-sacd-players |
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. |
One thing to consider is what CD drive is each of your chosen manufacturers using. They could all be using the same drive as there are not that many companies who make them now. For me Teac/Tascam/Esoteric (same company) make the best drives of all of them. Find one of those if you can in your budget. I know Teac put out a new lower priced CD player/transport recently with the VDRS drive in it, probably the best CD drive series made. |
- 22 posts total