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May 23, 2015 - 8:08am
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Best CD Player Under $1500
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IMO, the Oppo BDP 105 is the best disc player in the sub $1500 range. Balance outputs combined with a brilliant DAC implementation make this a superb choice, not to mention all the incremental features it offers.
That being said, don't you have a rather high end DAC? I would look for a first rate transport and run a digital coaxial cable to your DAC. I personally think Marantz makes darn nice transports. If I recall, this is near you TV so you may want to get universal disc player and swap it in for your current Blu Ray. The UD5007 would serve as a nice transport as would the Oppo BDP103. This should give you virtually identical sound to what you are getting from your electronic files.
I do think having one is worthwhile, though. You might want to consider picking something up off of Audiogon.
Arcam CD73, used, would be something worth having as a reference for redbook. They aren't very expensive and still surface now and then.
Excellent suggestions.. I totally must have had a migraine moment and forgot about Oppo! My list has been edited to reflect that. Thanks, bierfeldt. As for the idea of just acquiring a transport, I had thought of that and would like to entertain that.... becuase I did sink some serious money (for me) into my DAC and that would make sense to send CD output there as well. IS that a typical practice among audiophiles of high end systems? In other words, is it "best practice" in an ideal system to through money at a standalone DAC, and then just purchase a transport? Or are there sonic benefits I may be missing out on getting a "full" cd player such as those on my list?
Catch22:
Thank you for the very practical recommendation of Audiogon...for me; however, I want to go brand new as I don't trust my "new" ears to be able to discern if a used unit was not up to spec. I intend on checking out Arcam though as they have come up on many a list for other equipment in the past.
Kind Regards,
Ron
the website is again acting up... tried to edit original reply & couldn't, so including info this way as a workaround:
I do not see very many "transports" at all...going on instinct, I went pro and found:
Tascam CD-200 Rack Mount CD Player
for around $200.
I lack seroious background and knowledge in this area of audiphilia as I abandoned all digital media like a decade ago; havng implemented a NAS system with digital files of movies and music and haven't looked back.
First off, I am a touch confused why you would want a CD player if you don't have a bunch of CDs. I have 1500 or so, and am slowly converting them to ALAC files and decided not to get a better disc player simply because CDs are becoming obsolete. I just not understanding why you would bother with a format that is dying.
I run my CD player to my network player / DAC via a toslink cable. Since I am using the same DAC, I can't hear a difference between an ALAC file and a CD. They both sound fantastic. My point is, if everything goes perfectly, you are going to get an outcome that is the same as your electronic files.
If you do opt to move forward, when I said transport I meant a decent quality CD player but don't spend extra for a high end DAC. The Oppo has dual Sabre32 DAC implementation that is awesome and will way outperform something like a Musical Fidelity v90 DAC or a Peachtree DAC iTx. Your paying for that amazing DAC.
For a transport, you just want a good quality mechanical unit with a good laser, a quiet motor and good digital outputs. Marantz and NAD both make excellent quality units. Check out Accessories4less for refurbished Marantz equipment. They have four great models between $249 and $399 available including the UD5007 which is a BluRay. You could also look at the Oppo BDP 103 which is a fine transport and an awesome unit for video. The NAD C 516BEE at $299 new is a fine unit and available from Crutchfield.
Ron-
go with a Creek CD player or the NAD 565BEE.
All:
There are clearly three totally different paths to take:
1. buy a CD PLAYER with its own unique DACs and sound
2. buy a CD Transport; or inexpensive but quality CD player like the NAD 516..and use my DAC.
3. save my money: CD's are obsolete.. FLAC and DACs are the future
My DAC is the PS Audio NuWave... it was $999 and I love the sound...
So...my latest question is:
Should i go and buy a Creek 50CD; which matches my amp, and has an interesting Scottish DAC... or the Oppo, etc...or should I get a basic player and use my own DAC?
Also, a very good question was asked: "Why buy an obselete format?" That is indeed a very good question; as I currently do not own a single CD. The main point in all of this was so that I could join in referencing CD's with other Audiophiles and nothing more. So...I am at a loss as to what to do... Maybe just not even get anything? I really am truly satisfied and convinced that FLAC and DAC are the future. CD's are obsolete... but I want to enjoy audio to its fullest and join in on the occasional Referecing (my favorite part of this hobby where a bunch of people listen to music (in many cases CD's)) and compare their systems.
I am just more lost than ever on what to do and am looking for suggestions..
Best Regards,
Ron
All:
There is a NAD 516 for $225, free shipping. Should I just get the damn thing and be done with this and use it as a transport?
Best Regards,
Ron
That is a sharp price. Make sure you get a good digital cable as well.
The C 516 BEE is outstanding. For a slightly better transport you could consider the Musical Fidelity M1CDT transport at $999. I am not sure if it is worth $784 more, but the Musical Fidelity gets you a Stereophile B rating instead of a C rating like the NAD.
As I said, I would just get the NAD but at least this gives you choice.
bierfeldt:
Thank you for the intellectual replies. I think as long as I am using my DAC, saving the $784 makes a ton of sense. I really am just looking to play CD's on a viable platform to do reference sessions, and it sounds like the NAD 516 should be up to that with my DAC.
As for cabling, any particular brand? I don't want to invest hundreds here...as it is a digital signal, and I have not seen sufficient evidence to support exotic cabling in digital applications yet. I am also truthfully pretty broke pretty much for the rest of the summer and need to watch my budget. So the NAD 516 for $225 is abut the best compromise between a viable transport and budget.
I actually would love to try out tuning that bizarre magnavox; but alas, I really am picky when it comes to appearance of gear a little bit, and the build quality and reputation of NAD far surpasses magnevox. Though it is a compelling test, I just can't afford "tests" with my strict budget and I am confident the NAD will be enough for my use cases.
Catch22:
I also looked up any Arcam units... and only found one .. in this case a model earlier, through EBay, and the bid was $800...so unfortunately a little rich for my blood for vintage...but a compelling thought and appreciated viewpoint nevertheless.
Respectfully,
Ron
This is straight from Stereophile recommended components. Like with balanced cables, I wouldn't spend a ton. It is more important to get the right cable instead of an expensive one.
Canare DigiFlex Gold model RCAPOO3F: approx. $19.37/3ft $$$ ✩
Before you try any of the expensive coaxial links, CG advises trying this inexpensive, true 75 ohm cable with Canare crimp RCA connectors. He rates it as his first choice in a digital cable at any price, even preferring it to the Kimber AGDL. JA uses the 110-ohm version in various lengths for CD mastering. (Vol.16 No.7)
bierfeldt:
Thanks again for your always valuable input.
Kind Regards,
Ron
All:
I just ordered the NAD 516 for $225. The fact that it also comes with a one year manufacturers warranty sealed the deal. The Stereophile acknowledgment as a Recommended Component 2015 certainly gives me the warm and fuzzies too. I intend on passing it via optical to my DAC. I'm excited to have a Stereophile approved additional digital source!
In a way, applying simple logic, it's like a $1300 CD player...as I'm using my $1000 DAC...so I should be quite happy with it.
Best Regards,
Ron
Keep me posted Ron, as you receive and begin to break-in, this CD spinner.
All:
Thank you for all of your comments; I have oddly moved this thread over to "Rants n Raves" where it began as a discussion on CD vs. FLAC, but it has morphed into a more detailed review of this player! So join me over there, and my apologies for the inconvenience!
Respectfully,
Ron
Congrats on the setup and I agree, the NAD looks great with your Creek.
Try and hunt down
Genesis - The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. I will admit I am biased in favor of this for a variety of reasons including my belief that Peter Gabriel is a freakin' genius, but it is still a great sounding disc.
On a side note, I tried responding to your other thread where you were exceedingly kind and thanked me for my input. For some reason, responses keep erroring out on me. So I will say it here - thank you for your kind words. I hope I help.
Best regards,
Scott
Thank you - kindness is merely given where it is due.
As for the Genesis album, any particular song(s) on it you like? I may be able to download individual songs and save some $$$ if I go the FLAC route.
Best Regards,
Ron
The hits off that Album are The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway and Carpet Crawlers. This was the last album with Peter Gabriel as lead singer and in some ways, it is the pinnacle of their body of work. It was a concept album / rock opera about Rael, a half Puerto Rican delinquent in NYC who goes on a bizarre quest to find his "brother" which is really a split personality. It is similar concept to Quadrophenia on the surface but is truly a different. Like Quadrophenia, it is really best consumed in total but those two tracks above are great songs.
I will look out for that on vinyl, cd and flac. whichever I find first wins!
:)