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Help me find a CD player, Sony ES, Denon, ???

B

Bookshelf

New Member
I'm looking for a better CD player to hook up to my Onkyo A-10, I currently have a Sony non ES 5 disc changer. I was looking at something like a Sony CDP-X33ES, 302 ES, possibly a C8ESD changer. I don't want to spend a ton, so a 5 or 7 series ES is probably out, but what about Denon? Any suggestions on model #'s? I'm open to other brands also, thanks.
 
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Around here I've found a couple of early ES models in the thrifts (207 w/mini disc) dirt cheap. Nak CD players show up from time to time as well. Seems folks are giving them up. Those are the brands I have experience with and they perform admirably. Honestly my Samsung blu ray sounds as good as these vintage models and I recently picked up a Sony DVP-NC80V w/SACD for 5 beans that does likewise. My favorite Sony that I own is the C701ES and its a 5 cd carousel, wonderful unit and with some patience wouldn't be surprised if you could snag one very reasonably.
 
I use a 2 year old Sony DVD player that has audio outs. It sounds much better than some other units I've listened to. I got it for like 60-70 bucks at Wallymart.
 
That's the thing, it seems the ES carousels sell for far less on Ebay than the single disc models, I'm not sure if there is a big difference in sound though. I do like the convenience of the carousel, and I've had it forever so I'm pretty confident of their reliability. I'm not sure how easily it could be broken in shipping if I bought one online though.
 
The differences between expensive models and bottom of the line are not that big to my ears. A Stereophile author admitted as much a few years ago.

That said, SACD can sound MUCH better than a Red Book CD. I've got a Oppo DV-890H, a Sony DVP-9100ES, Sony DVP-9000ES, and Sony DVP-NC-555ES, and Sony SCD-C2000ES - they all sound pretty much the same on CDs and on SACD.

Getting a model that handles HDCD is a big plus to my mind. I put on a Grateful Dead CD once and as it started to play, I said to myself "Darn, that sound really good!" Turns out it was encoded in HDCD.

Also, check human factors of the operating controls and the availability of replacement lasers. Some can be a bear to operate without a remote and lasers do go bad over the years.
 
Just keep hitting the thrifts. The good ones show up eventually...just have to sift them from all the other ones.
I have found Philips, Magnavox, Arcam, Denon, Sony ES and NAD at the thrift stores for usually dirt cheap.
 
Emotiva makes great cd players for not much money.
I am going to be selling my erc-1 in order to obtain an erc-3 which I doubt will net me much sonically since the original erc-1 is so darned good.

Try a new one or shop around for a used Emotiva. You won't regret it. They are build very well and sound great too.

Mark
 
I plan on trying my Sony DVD player before I buy anything, does anyone know if Denon lasers are still available, or if any Denon, Kenwood, or Onkyo CD players are worth seeking out? Thanks for all the replies.
 
botrytis said:
I suggest a newer player not an older one. If you can't get replacement lasers why buy one? You will end up with a boat anchor.

CD players are best bought new.
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Mid 90's on up CDP last a long time . My Technics is getting close to 20 years old and I use it every day . ES models are nice . I like Technics . Best bought new ? Not really .
 
IMO, if you're buying used, stay with something made post 2000. Aside from laser failure and general reliability issues, there's been rapid advancement in DACs within recent years. Cheaper players that dollar for dollar, outperform older players.
 
I have Denon and Sony ES players. Can be had for cheap prices if you wait a bit. I am partial to the Sony's myself. I also have a Marantz DV7000 I picked up in a thrift a couple of years ago that is a very nice unit. (Retailed for $900 and I got it at a thrift sans remote for $13).

Quality used cd players can usually be had in my area for $20 or less. Many new options also of course if you want to spend more.
 
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Bookshelf said:
That's the thing, it seems the ES carousels sell for far less on Ebay than the single disc models, I'm not sure if there is a big difference in sound though. I do like the convenience of the carousel, and I've had it forever so I'm pretty confident of their reliability. I'm not sure how easily it could be broken in shipping if I bought one online though.
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If that's the direction you end up leaning don't let the carousel stop you, its solid on the 701.

But there's some wisdom in not going that route, as others have pointed out.
 
zebra03 said:
Mid 90's on up CDP last a long time . My Technics is getting close to 20 years old and I use it every day . ES models are nice . I like Technics . Best bought new ? Not really .
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I agree with Zebra!

In addition to the Emotiva (which by the way has a 5 year warranty) I have this old Sony I rescued from the Goodwill. I paid $4 (yes, $4!) for it, and did a minor repair and it sounds terrific. I use it on my headphone rig.

SO...Don't think you have to spend big money for a CD player.

And I wouldn't stress too much about a laser failing. It's the drawers that are the most likely thing to screw up because they have a belt driving them.

Try your DVD player by all means!!! I did one day. You might be really surprised. I tried my small Sony DVD player (can't think of the model number) on my La Scalas, tube amps, etc., one day and really enjoyed it. It doesn't display track numbers and time like a "real" cd player, but it sounded really better than the $30 price tag.

Mark
 
RandyFloyd76 said:
I have Denon and Sony ES players. Can be had for cheap prices if you wait a bit. I am partial to the Sony's myself. I also have a Marantz DV7000 I picked up in a thrift a couple of years ago that is a very nice unit. (Retailed for $900 and I got it at a thrift sans remote for $13).

Quality used cd players can usually be had in my area for $20 or less. Many new options also of course if you want to spend more.
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Agree on the Sony units. My ca 2000 made carousel unit sounds noticeably better than a Teac I had used for years. Picked it up for $20 online auction.

I too found a Marantz Dv7000 at a thrift. Since it was missing remote the owner gave it to me for $5. Nice unit but slow mechanism.
 
With a little patience you can pick up an outdated ES or other high quality cd-dvd player for a mere fraction of their original cost. These well built heavy units make super nice cd players and the sound upgrade over your changer will be quite noticeable.
 
So I hope I didn't just waste my money on a magnavox CDB560 from 1987 with the 1541 DAC chip. It should arrive soon.
 
I may be upgrading to the ERC-3 as well. I have an older Denon that works great. I also have a newer Denon DVD player that sounds great with CD's too. I also have an Oppo everything but bluray player that sounds better than either of my Denon's.
 
trhee said:
IMO, if you're buying used, stay with something made post 2000. Aside from laser failure and general reliability issues, there's been rapid advancement in DACs within recent years. Cheaper players that dollar for dollar, outperform older players.
Click to expand...


What are some CD changers that you like that have good DACs?
 
i have a onkyo dx-710 single disc bought new in 1994,a onkyo 6 disc dx-c211 and also 1994, just picked up for 20 bucks mint condition, and a brand new sony cdp-ce500 and the dx-710 sounds the best and i use it almost everyday,and you can get replacement lasers on ebay for 15 to 25 bucks.
 
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