@jayctoy my logic for buying used is (a) first and foremost, price--some of these overbuilt older players can sometimes be had for <10% of their srp, (e.g. i once scored a denon dvd 5910 and a pioneer dv79 for around $100), so even if they die (which has been less frequent than you'd expect) i can replace cheaply, and (b) alot of these models were engineered for long-term durability--the aforesaid pioneer is still going strong after 20+ years; i also regularly use a 1986 kyocera cdp which (other than replacing a $5 belt) works flawlessly, and (c) i probably don't play cds enough to justify spending a grand. granted, you're not getting the latest dac, but whether or not the new stuff sounds better is open to question.
My CD-player stopped working. Does it make sense to invest in a new CD-transport?
My older CD-player stopped working, so I am considering whether I should go now for a new CD transport. Most of the time I stream audio (Qobuz) and I have a many €€€€ streamer and DAC. So no need for a CD transport?
However, though I haven't bought a CD for at least 10 years, some people say that a CD still sounds better than streaming. And I have a huge collection (classical, jazz, blues, pop). I was looking at the front loader Teac PD 505t or the newer model PD 507t (about €1000-1300). Does that make sense? Or just forget about CDs and CD-players, keep or rip some for the good memories when buying them, and donate or sell the rest? What do you think?
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Have you actually listened to your CD collection lately? If so, why wouldn't you get a new transport. Sounds like you have the money and CD collection. If you haven't listen to you collection lately sounds like you haven't missed them. Then you're really asking "I don't listen to CD's anymore so, should I get rid of my CD collection"? Then you gotta ask yourself "is getting rid of my CD collection the same as when we all got rid of our vinyl records and then they came back in style?". Never ending isn't it. |
The difference between abandoning your vinyl and CD is that the streaming version of the CD are identical in every way and the same components create the sound from them: streamer and DAC. In the old days remaining in the analog environment was an advantage. CD and streaming both start digitally and can sound any way you prefer depending on the components you choose. |
I know that @ghdprentice is a very enthusiastic advocate for streaming, but his statement here is not even remotely true. An LP and CD are often made from different masters, with the LP often getting the higher dynamic range (oddly), presumably because of the environment where the the mastering engineer imagines it will be heard. Streaming services may get a hi-res version, but often it’s been "re-mastered" and dynamically compressed. You don’t have to take my word for it. You can visit the dynamic range database here, or listen for yourself. I have ripped all of my CDs to SSD and the stored digital copy often sounds better than what Qobuz offers. |
Why wouldn’t you want a device capable of playing the thousands of CDs you already own? Same with a TT. People are buying new reel to reels now. Qobuz is great and all, but take away your wired Internet service and you have a $7000 paperweight. Those of us who started in this hobby pre-2000 are acutely aware of this. I view streaming as an option, but not the only one, or even my preferred one. |
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