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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
vthokie83
1,224 posts
 

meyersrbs

Sorry, no can do on the 12th to 15th upgrade, the new Pontus 15th is basically a Venus; the Venus 15th is the old Terminator, the Terminator 15th is the old Terminator Plus. Sell the 12th and get the 15th IMO

I'm upgrading this winter, and I may very well go with the Terminator 15th.....but that depends on tarrifs

subaruguru
1,381 posts
 

I appreciate this thread. My ref CDP is my trusty brutalist (40lbs!) Electro EMC-1 UP. However, I want to reintroduce CD playing in audio shows I will exhibit with my ArgentPur amps and cables and a partnering speaker-maker. So I just purchased a small, light, SMSL PL200T, probably feeding an SPL DAC, to a Backert Rhumba Extreme and then my GaN-FET monos.

I may not even bother to compare the SMSL to my Electro at home, as life is short.

I eschewed more obvious CDT options like the affordable Cambridge et al, thinking the myriad connectivity of the SMSL would make it fairly future-proof. Anyone using one of these to front a ref system, and thus perhaps tell me what to expect? First use will be at AXPONA with YG Carmels. Thanks. ErnieM ArgentPur.audio

emuagogo OP
46 posts
 

I first want to thank everybody for their suggestions and advice.  For a variety of reasons I ordered the Advance Paris X-CD9 and couldn't be happier.  I didn't want to shop for a new DAC right now and the Advance Paris being a player with a decent DAC and interesting analog output fit the bill.  I really didn't think my system could sound this good with just a new CD player.  Back in the day I used to believe that a CD player was just a CD play.  How wrong I was!  

Thanks again everyone.  Now, I guess I start the search for a DAC to try with it.

rockadanny
1,261 posts
 

I am very pleased with my Simon Audio CD5 used as transport into NewOntech DAC 07. IMO, whatever you do, make sure you get a top load player: no drawer, no slot.

sls883
1,058 posts
 

I'm not familiar with the Advance Paris X-CD9.  It looks pretty interesting.  I'm guessing you'll be happy with it.

If you get a new dac and use the cd player as a transport, make sure you get a good cable.  I prefer coaxial over optical.  I used my cd player as a transport and it really didn't sound much better through my dac until I got a decent coaxial cable.

The dac in my Denon DCD-1700NE is pretty good.  I get slightly better sound through my dac, but it's not night and day.  Moving from my NAD and Marantz cd players to the Denon was a big improvement.  Both the NAD and Marantz are like $600 players, so not real high end.

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