• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

CD Players - $500 budget

Jim Lyons

Jim Lyons

New Member
I have been looking at getting a CD player for my system. Had a couple of low-budget used ones I bought, but they all have issues now. Budget is at most $500.00. Checked out Amazon but it is hard to separate the reviews from solid information. I listen to all types of music. Right now, have a restored Pioneer SX-1250 with Bose 901 Series VI. I would appreciate hearing what AK users recommend. Thanks to all!
 
Register to hide this ad
My advise would be to confirm availability of a new drive and or laser combo if buying used.
Other wise its a role of the dice before the inevitable failure.
 
If you ever think you may want to go into DVD-A, SACD, etc. and/or multichannel audio, that budget may get you an Oppo BDP-95. Unfortunately the values of those buggers have actually increased since Oppo pulled the plug. I currently have a 95, 105, and 103D, would love to sell them all and trade up to a 205 but it seems that those values have gone into the stratosphere. Plus I need to keep one of the 10x units for the ability to rip SACDs.
 
Like you, I'd always used low budget players. Several years ago I decided to up my game (a little). Did some research, found that the Onkyo DX-7555 got very good reviews and bought one. However, after hooking it up, I discovered that it didn't sound any better than the cheap Pioneer that I had been using. I was disappointed, but decided to keep it anyhow. Fast forward a few years and I got to reading about DAC's. Bought a Schiit Modi/Multi and oh my, what a difference!

I have no suggestion as to which player to get, other than to be sure that it has digital (coax/optical) out so you can run it through a DAC, if so desired.
 
rickb119 said:
I have no suggestion as to which player to get, other than to be sure that it has digital (coax/optical) out so you can run it through a DAC, if so desired.
Click to expand...

This. Only a handful of companies actually make the laser assemblies, when you're buying an expensive player you're primarily paying for mechanical robustness and a DAC.

An Emotiva ERC-3 would be comfortably within your budget, if you stretch a bit you could get a new ERC-4. If you don't need SACD or DVD-A they're solid performers for the price.
 
rickb119 said:
Like you, I'd always used low budget players. Several years ago I decided to up my game (a little). Did some research, found that the Onkyo DX-7555 got very good reviews and bought one. However, after hooking it up, I discovered that it didn't sound any better than the cheap Pioneer that I had been using. I was disappointed, but decided to keep it anyhow. Fast forward a few years and I got to reading about DAC's. Bought a Schiit Modi/Multi and oh my, what a difference!

I have no suggestion as to which player to get, other than to be sure that it has digital (coax/optical) out so you can run it through a DAC, if so desired.
Click to expand...

I agree, get a cheap player with digital outs and a Schiit DAC.
 
Well, just wanted to let you know what I bought. I went with a new unit - the Marantz CD 6007. https://www.marantz.com/en-us/product/cd-players/cd6007
Got pretty good reviews. I am retiring this month, and this was my present from my wife. I'd love to get a super high end player, but the budget says nope. I will report back and let you know what I found. Will pick out some of my favorite CD's, classical, rock, jazz, and see how it does. Anyone have a reference CD they like to use to check the sound?
 
Jim Lyons said:
Well, just wanted to let you know what I bought. I went with a new unit - the Marantz CD 6007. https://www.marantz.com/en-us/product/cd-players/cd6007
Got pretty good reviews. I am retiring this month, and this was my present from my wife. I'd love to get a super high end player, but the budget says nope. I will report back and let you know what I found. Will pick out some of my favorite CD's, classical, rock, jazz, and see how it does. Anyone have a reference CD they like to use to check the sound?
Click to expand...

Congrats on the new player, Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon", I have it both in Redbook CD and in SACD.
 
I think you will be happy with your choice. I chose the CD6004 some years back and was quite pleased. When I did decide to get a dedicated DAC, the primary reason was for streaming. A neat feature with the Marantz is you can turn off the analog output section when using it as transport if you like (hold on to your manual). You already have a nice DAC and USB input with the Marantz, so that may never be an issue. The CD6004 didn't have the USB input.
 
I have two Sony Mega players - the 300 and 400 CD capacities. The 400 (and also the 300) seemed to have issues. I got these at yard sales for a total of $100. I just put it on the list of to-do's. It looked like a belt issue. I ordered a belt kit and just opened it up yesterday. Lo and belhold, the "picker" belt was trashed - but there were 4 CD's just ratlling around in the player. Removed these, replaced the belt and bada bing, bada boom, worked fine. I did a quick look at the visible circuit boards and they looked fine. Hardly a speck of dust inside. All the caps I saw were ok. This is not a high voltage circuit board, so maybe the longevity is built-in. Manufactured in 2003, so it's 18 years young. It will be a great garage unit, or I may try to sell. The Marantz unit is on back order until early March, so I had to have something to listen to in the meantime.
 
Have you considered the Kenwood DP-7090 ?
It has the same eight PCM1702's and digital filter as the Accuphase DP-65. If you do the cap mods as shown on Lampizators site and change op amps (I have not done the valve mods).

Kenwood CD 7090 CD player lampizator

It's a real giant killer. (I did these and it bested a £4000 player when tested on a very high end system).
Mech's cost peanuts too and are easy to get. (KSS-213B / KSS-213C)
Obviously any Philips TDA1541-A machines are great, the later Philips dac chips are pants in my view. Steer away from PCM58P dacs. they tend to sound V harsh.

You may also find this useful:-

http://vasiltech.narod.ru/CD-Player-DAC-Transport.htm#T

All my personal views. And good to my ears.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom