Best CD Player under $500?

[edster922]

I am considering the NAD c542, Onix X88cd, and Pioneer 578 (decreasing order of pricing), running Ascend 340s off of some vintage NAD separates.

Was also looking at the Harman Kardon FL8385 which goes for around $100 refurb from Harman Audio on eBay.

Oh and the other one I'm sort of curious about is the Denon 2900.

Am wondering if anybody has had any experience with any of those 5 players and how much of a difference they hear when moving up on the price scale.

My current CDP is a Sony ES carousel, it made a noticeable improvement over my cheapie Panasonic DVD player which was a bit harsh sounding.

I am reading a lot of great feedback on the Pioneer, some are claiming it to be something of a giant-killer (common enough cliche in audio these days, lol).

I definitely want to keep my budget under $500, the lower it is the more I'll have left to put into a decent sub, my current JBL e150 is atrocious.

[anamorphic96]

All the players you listed are great. However I have heard about alot of QC issues with HK CD players.

I currently use the NAD C542 and like it alot. I only paid 450 for being a loyal customer. But you should be able to find it for 450 or 475.

[mtrycrafts]

I am considering the NAD c542, Onix X88cd, and Pioneer 578 (decreasing order of pricing), running Ascend 340s off of some vintage NAD separates.

Was also looking at the Harman Kardon FL8385 which goes for around $100 refurb from Harman Audio on eBay.

Oh and the other one I'm sort of curious about is the Denon 2900.

Am wondering if anybody has had any experience with any of those 5 players and how much of a difference they hear when moving up on the price scale.

My current CDP is a Sony ES carousel, it made a noticeable improvement over my cheapie Panasonic DVD player which was a bit harsh sounding.

I am reading a lot of great feedback on the Pioneer, some are claiming it to be something of a giant-killer (common enough cliche in audio these days, lol).

I definitely want to keep my budget under $500, the lower it is the more I'll have left to put into a decent sub, my current JBL e150 is atrocious.


Why are you upgrading? Something wrong with that Sony?

[j_garcia]

Cambridge Audio 540C

[Sleestack]

The Onix XCD-99 (replacement for the XCD-88) is about to come out. I have one. It is a very sharp looking player with great build quality. Although I have too many high end players to be using the XCD-99, I would strongly recommend it to anyone looking for a solid transport or affordable CDP. I might actually consider starting a loaner program for Audioholics and Head-fi members who are interested in checking it out. Anyone interested?

[j_garcia]

Put me on that list :D