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Good Multi Disc CD Player Opinions:

Karmices

Karmices

AK Super Member
Subscriber
I'm thinking about getting a nicer multi disc CD player. I've got a lot of MFSL and Ultra Disc stuff so I want to improve the sound if possible. Now I'm running a Sony 300 disc CX 355 which I like a lot since it holds so many discs, but it skips around on on songs on cd's from time to time for some reason. Can I improve on the sound and get a multi disc player? I'm using a Spectro Acoustic Amp, Pre Amp and EQ with Altec 604's and Speakerlab 7WA's. Budget under $500.00. Suggestions?
 
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I decided to rip CDs to computer instead. My multidisc was noisy and slow. Computer works much better. You can buy a netbook or laptop under your budget.
 
+1

With $500 you can buy a dedicated computer to use as a music server. Using a tablet or smartphone as a remote, you can choose your music faster and easier. No offense to anyone who uses CD changers, but in today's world, why anyone would still use one is beyond me. Unlike single CD players, the quality is just not there and they are slow, clunky and organizing CD's is a pain in the butt.

rwartner said:
I decided to rip CDs to computer instead. My multidisc was noisy and slow. Computer works much better. You can buy a netbook or laptop under your budget.
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Buy a DAC and connect it via SPDIF to your changer. 90% of sound quality depends on DAC and only 10% on transport. So use changer as transport only.
 
The 5 disc changers are less problematic than the 100+ disc changers and easier to repair. Adcom and Denon made excellent sounding 5 disc changers. Actually the Adcoms look like they were built by Denon.
 
for_p1 said:
Buy a DAC and connect it via SPDIF to your changer. 90% of sound quality depends on DAC and only 10% on transport. So use changer as transport only.
Click to expand...

I'd rather not go the computer or laptop route. I've got a newer Macbook I could use, but i want to still use my large clunky changer. What's a decent middle or the road DAC?
 
I still have an 80's realistic cartridge CD player that still works fine. But I've moved to a modern single disc player along with music files on my computer. I do find myself listening to the files on my computer more and more.
 
I never set a price for what I want to buy. I pick out what I need or want and find it for the lowest price possible.

I like the Sony 5 disc cd rotary changers better than the single cd players and the 5 or six cartridge changers. I find the 5 disc changers as easy to use as single disc and I find the cartridges a pain to deal with. Denon, JVC and Pioneer are good too but the Sonys are easily to find here. They all sound good to me.

I always take a burned cd when looking and be sure the digital timer moves indicating it is playing. I also look for one with the remote included. I will pay $10 max w/o remote and $15 max with remote. I have found 2 Sonys at below these prices on one Saturday morning garage sale trip a month ago. These go for $20, w/o remote, at the thrifts and Salvation Army around here.

I like a spare or two in case of failure.

Charlie
 
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Every Sony ES cd Changer I have had played every cdr I threw at it. My Rotel cd Changer played TDK & Taiyo Yuden cdrs but not cdrs from Staples that someone had given me. I will second the recommendation for the Sony ES cd changers,(the 5 disc carousel models only), excellent sound & built like tanks. Buy one from a reputable seller either here on AK or on Audiogon, you won't be disappointed.
 
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dr*audio said:
The 5 disc changers are less problematic than the 100+ disc changers and easier to repair. Adcom and Denon made excellent sounding 5 disc changers. Actually the Adcoms look like they were built by Denon.
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Agreed...and Rotel used to make a really good one
 
I will also agree that the Sony ES changers sound great, and are very reliable. Also you can get parts for them. Pickups are getting scarce though, for all manufacturers.
 
Karmices said:
I'm thinking about getting a nicer multi disc CD player. Suggestions?
Click to expand...

I'm sorry but I don't think there is such a thing as a "nicer multi CD player". Go to Audiogon and look at the CD players. There are a lot of very nice choices in your budget. Walking over and changing out the disc every 60-74 minutes isn't so bad.
 
To answer 2nd question, you might be able to improve sound with external DAC. If your CD player has optical out / way to bypass internal DAC. The external DAC is then available for whatever player device. This obviously won't solve mechanical issues.

I compared my multidisc with optical out to netbook into DAC. No difference in sound. Big difference in mechanics.
 
I use a CD player regularly. I have many, including some nice changers but i find myself using the single disc players almost exclusively. It just works with how I listen to music. I also use a nice turntable. I also upload some CD's to the computer. Those are for the most part to be able to load the songs I want to the phone for portability. Seems to me it's a PITA to pick a song I want to hear on the computer. And before you start thinking I have an aversion to computers, I don't. I worked in the computer industry for awhile. I just don't think it is the best way to listen to music...for me.

I like the hands on and rapid access of a CD player. And I don't like making playlists really.
 
trhee said:
+1

With $500 you can buy a dedicated computer to use as a music server. Using a tablet or smartphone as a remote, you can choose your music faster and easier. No offense to anyone who uses CD changers, but in today's world, why anyone would still use one is beyond me. Unlike single CD players, the quality is just not there and they are slow, clunky and organizing CD's is a pain in the butt.
Click to expand...

The multi CD changer is the precursor to the iTunes media library, if you think about it. My first CD player was a Pioneer PD M530, nice unit, but by todays standard dated, clunky, slow and sonically not the same as my computer or transport.

Another issue: since most changers were made years ago, even decades ago, you most likely will have laser issues, and even if you find a nice one chances are you are going to have to get a new laser soon. Rare is finding one "lightly used". Except for Laserdisc players....
 
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