Time to retire my combo vhs/dvd Panasonic as I am getting my marantz 2230 amp recapped as well as have some killer box sets on their way and instead of getting a seperate dac was thinking of just getting a new CD player with a half decent DAC that is sure to trump my ancient Panasonic. What can I get with remote and headphone jack for under $250
Best under $250 CD player with remote and headphone jack
- Thread starter bionic
- Start date
tmtomh
Active Member
I really enjoy the Onkyo C-7030 as well. It's in my secondary system and it's a rock-solid performer that (IMHO) easily keeps pace with or beats many higher-end players from the '90s and '00s, for a fraction of what those cost new, and for less than what many of those still go for used.
I would not, however, depend on any reasonably priced CD player as a direct headphone source for critical listening. It might be fine, but it might not. Power and output impedance are a big deal when it comes to headphone amps/jacks. If you have high-impedance headphones, a lot of built-in headphone amps/jacks can sound anemic. You might have luck listening to the CD player via your recapped 2230's headphone jack - you'll still be getting the benefit fo the CD player's DAC, and you'll also be getting the Marantz's well-regarded sound in the chain too.
I would not, however, depend on any reasonably priced CD player as a direct headphone source for critical listening. It might be fine, but it might not. Power and output impedance are a big deal when it comes to headphone amps/jacks. If you have high-impedance headphones, a lot of built-in headphone amps/jacks can sound anemic. You might have luck listening to the CD player via your recapped 2230's headphone jack - you'll still be getting the benefit fo the CD player's DAC, and you'll also be getting the Marantz's well-regarded sound in the chain too.
osubuc45
Active Member
Sounds like a great deal !
Grenadeslio
Lunatic Member
All originally $1000 or more, all purchased for $80 or less.
Sony DVP NS900V
Sony DVP NS999ES
Sony DVP CX777ES
Sony DVP NS900V
Sony DVP NS999ES
Sony DVP CX777ES
gongli
Musician + Audio Lover
bigx5murf
Super Member
Ime with a low budget, it's very hard to beat a high end dvd or hd-dvd player. They're near worthless on the used market. But they have high quality DACs.
Check of the oppo DV-970HD, which also happens to play SACD. I currently still use a DV-971H, also a Toshiba HD-A1 (although this one is a bit slow to turn on).
Check of the oppo DV-970HD, which also happens to play SACD. I currently still use a DV-971H, also a Toshiba HD-A1 (although this one is a bit slow to turn on).
Grenadeslio
Lunatic Member
Oddly enough I prefer the non ES model, the DVP NS900V over the others, although it's VERY close. Still looking for one in silver that's not $300 from Russia lol.
Final_Baton
Well-Known Member
Interesting, I used to have an Oppo DV-971H but never thought about trying it for CD listening. It's with an ex-gf now though, so I'm not getting that back, lol. maybe if I stumble on another one for cheap
bigx5murf
Super Member
I would look for an oppo DV-970HD, you should be able to get one around $50 give or take. It'll play CD, SACD, DVD-A, and even mp3s burned onto a CDR.
David_NC
Super Member
I don't have any experience with the two ES models mentioned, but I picked up a pristine 900V a couple weeks ago for $50. The seller originally had it listed for $30 and upped it to $50 after doing some eBay price research. I really like the player. I don't use the video functions, but CD's and SACD's sound great. The headphone output is very usable, and the unit is responsive (much quicker than the old BD player I was using previously on this system!) I can't think of a better unit for the price I paid, though I'd be OK with paying more for one in condition comparable to mine.
