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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
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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