lets talk about CD players.

[aidynphoenix]

so i have a few CD players, none of which are very good i think.
Nakamiachi DVD-15
Sony CDP-CX53
Yamaha CDX-530

how can you recognize a good cd player? what kind of specs are considered good?

 

[Hyfi]

It usually comes down to the drive mechanism and laser of which there are many grades. and then the DAC and other internal components.

 

[guiller]

how can you recognize a good cd player? what kind of specs are considered good?

I don't think specs are a very good way of discerning among CDPs, since most of them have similar figures. You'd better ask people for which specific models sound best in a given price range. Differences are quite noticiable , at least for a large number of people which includes myself. Can you have the chance to audition a very good CDP at a friend's place?

Regarding the design of a CDP, it has 3 blocks: the digital audio extraction, the DAC chip itself and then the analog stage of amplification after the DAC. The quality of the latter stage and the power source are crucial for the CDP to deliver high quality sound (i.e., transparent, with good 3d imaging). Some very high quality CDPs have very good power sources and class A amplification with discrete (either SS or tube) components, high quality capacitors in the audio path, and so on, as in a very good preamp.

PS: there are threads with similar discussions, e.g.,

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=356530
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=323603

 

[slow_jazz]

Your ears are the best way...

 

[KentTeffeteller]

Specs mean less. My ears and how reliable and durable it is mean much more to me. I demand broadcast grade reliable, no less will do. Good sonics also a must. Good support and service and spare parts and manuals to keep it alive are also mandatory.