Looking for a CD Player w/XLR Outputs...


I'm running a McIntosh 352 and I love it, but I've run out of inputs. All I have left is my balanced XLRs. 

I'd like to buy a nice CD player w/XLR outputs. I'm okay w/used, and definitely want something nice (pro equipment is okay too), but don't want to spend too much (~$600 tops). Any suggestions?

Jon

greenwd

Don’t limit yourself to the internal DAC of a CD player. Invest in a capable transport and an external DAC that matches the sound quality of the McIntosh 352.

As for the only new CD player so far that offers balanced XLR analog outputs: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/emotiva-erc-4-cd-player-dac-review.42816/  Reasonably good measurements are a necessary condition when it comes to purchasing a digital transport. I won't take a chance.

The Oppo BDP-105 is another option, but it won’t fit your requirements unless you buy used. Spending that much on a used dedicated player deserves a second thought.

The SMSL PL200 has every specification you’re looking for. It is slightly (under $100) over your price range, but it’s Chi-Fi (what’s wrong with that?)

Thanks to you all, this is all very helpful.

Answering to those who questioned the CD player/DAC, I don't have a CD player, which is why I'm looking for one. Sounds like a lot of you are suggesting I also purchase a DAC to run the CD player through first. I'm assuming this isn't necessary, but will give me richer audio?

CA CXC v2 transporter fits your bill.  This one is open box but still carry 3 year warranty.

https://www.safeandsoundhq.com/products/mcambridge-audio-cxc-v2-dedicated-cd-transport-open-box?variant=52324136780143&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic

The DAC inside a new CD player in a similar price range is usually entry-level at best. That’s why you’d want to enhance sound quality with an external DAC. The sky is the limit, but there are many high-quality sub-$1k DACs that can deliver convincing 3D soundstage performance when paired with a good transport. The Harmony Micro DAC is one example, and the Topping D90 III Discrete is another. I’ve owned both, and once you go down this route, you’ll likely receive many more recommendations.

As @lanx0003 is implying, you have an $8K integrated amp.  A $600 CD player, let alone one with XLR out (presumably at the expense of something else), is a mismatch for such a nice hifi centerpiece.  Depending upon your speakers (and interconnects and room acoustics), doubling your budget from $600 to $1200 will probably yield very noticeable improvement in sound quality.  For example, go ahead and get a $400 CD player or transport.  But then also get a $800 DAC - even a used model that is 1-2 years old will be quite satisfying versus whatever you’d find in a $600 CD player.