CD player

[ParadigmDawg]

As silly as it seems, I think I want a dedicated CD player. The PS3 gets on my nerves as a CD player. It seems difficult to just start and stop music with out having the OSD on and it bugs me that I cant figure out a way to make the Harmony change from surround modes to 2 channel stereo just by hitting the "listen to CDs" button since the PS3 is set up for movies and CDs.

What would be a good yet inexpensive CD player?

 

[Davemcc]

Excellent question that I can't answer. I would also like the simplicity of a dedicated CD player like we had in the 80's. But now it seems like CD players are really expensive in this age of $49 DVD players. I'm thinking a CD player around $100 should do the job. Does such a thing exist anymore?

 

[Seth=L]

Single disc or multi?

If you connect the player to the digital input on the Yamaha it won't matter what CD player you get, so long as it holds together and doesn't have read errors. You could look just about anywhere for a good disc spinner. I personally like the old Magnavox CDB series players with swing arm transports. I like them because they track well and they have good build quality (Belgium made). Many of them also sport a Coaxial SPDIF output. It is worth note that Philips also has CD players from that era that have the same features.

Now there are pitfalls to the old Magnavox/Philips players. They are hard to find in good condition, some of them are downright ugly, and they are old. I have two and both have some cosmetic flaws, but both perform as if they where new.

I realize that you aren't likely to be interested in such a player, but I like to save bucks.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Well; that was almost no help what-so-ever...

I just figured out a way to make my Harmony control the stereo vs. surround setting but I cant figure out how to make the PS3 repeat so when a CD ends I have to fumble around to get it to re-start.

Excellent question that I can't answer. I would also like the simplicity of a dedicated CD player like we had in the 80's. But now it seems like CD players are really expensive in this age of $49 DVD players. I'm thinking a CD player around $100 should do the job. Does such a thing exist anymore?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Thanks Seth but you know I want something new. What would a decent, new one run me?

Single disc or multi?

If you connect the player to the digital input on the Yamaha it won't matter what CD player you get, so long as it holds together and doesn't have read errors. You could look just about anywhere for a good disc spinner. I personally like the old Magnavox CDB series players with swing arm transports. I like them because they track well and they have good build quality (Belgium made). Many of them also sport a Coaxial SPDIF output. It is worth note that Philips also has CD players from that era that have the same features.

Now there are pitfalls to the old Magnavox/Philips players. They are hard to find in good condition, some of them are downright ugly, and they are old. I have two and both have some cosmetic flaws, but both perform as if they where new.

I realize that you aren't likely to be interested in such a player, but I like to save bucks.

 

[Seth=L]

Thanks Seth but you know I want something new. What would a decent, new one run me?

I figured that would be the case, but there is no harm in trying right?

What would the budget be?

I would say in the $100-$200 range would get you a decent enough new single disc player. I would likely spend a bit more on a changer than $100 if it where me (if that is even something that interests you).

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I am good with a single in the 200-300 buck range.

I figured that would be the case, but there is no harm in trying right?

What would the budget be?

I would say in the $100-$200 range would get you a decent enough new single disc player. I would likely spend a bit more on a changer than $100 if it where me (if that is even something that interests you).

 

[mike c]

i just bought a 300 dollar denon cd player ...

I even bought an older model because I did not want the mp3 feature.

I have no complaints whatsoever.

(the model I got is not available there, but for reference, it was the DCD-685)

 

[Adam]

Greg,

I've lost all touch with CD-only players, but some options are available at Crutchfield.

Is there a reason that you don't want to get a DVD player? Those also plays CDs, my friend, and they can be had for less money.

Adam

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Thanks Mike.

Hey you guys make sure you check my photobucket under my sig; I have updated a few pictures.

i just bought a 300 dollar denon cd player ...

I even bought an older model because I did not want the mp3 feature.

I have no complaints whatsoever.

(the model I got is not available there, but for reference, it was the DCD-685)

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Seems silly since I have a PS3

Greg,

I've lost all touch with CD-only players, but some options are available at Crutchfield.

Is there a reason that you don't want to get a DVD player? Those also plays CDs, my friend, and they can be had for less money.

Adam

 

[Adam]

Seems silly since I have a PS3

You mean getting a DVD player, or a CD player?

I figure that you're looking to buy a separate piece of equipment to play CDs. I wouldn't worry about what else it can do. If you can get a more capable player for cheaper, I say go for it. The only reason that I could see getting a CD-only player is if DVD players in the same price range are inferior to CD-only players (e.g. don't have the options you want, are built worse).

 

[Seth=L]

You mean getting a DVD player, or a CD player?

I figure that you're looking to buy a separate piece of equipment to play CDs. I wouldn't worry about what else it can do. If you can get a more capable player for cheaper, I say go for it. The only reason that I could see getting a CD-only player is if DVD players in the same price range are inferior to CD-only players (e.g. don't have the options you want, are built worse).

I'm with you Greg, I would stick with the CD player only if only for simplicity sake. DVD players, hmm, well maybe if you spent $300 or so to get a decent multiformat player from Onkyo, Pioneer Elite, or Denon, I might consider a Denon multiformat player. It would give you the ability to play DVD-Audio/SACD(which you already have capability for)/and CDs of course.

If it is going to be CD only. I would look at Cambridge Audio "Azur" I think it is, NAD, and maybe Marantz.

 

[Davemcc]

Why is it that all these 5-disc changers on Crutchfield are so cheap, and even the 400 disc changer is cheaper than the least expensive single disc player?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Both seem a little silly but I was talking about another DVD player

You mean getting a DVD player, or a CD player?

I figure that you're looking to buy a separate piece of equipment to play CDs. I wouldn't worry about what else it can do. If you can get a more capable player for cheaper, I say go for it. The only reason that I could see getting a CD-only player is if DVD players in the same price range are inferior to CD-only players (e.g. don't have the options you want, are built worse).

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I wondered the same thing.

Why is it that all these 5-disc changers on Crutchfield are so cheap, and even the 400 disc changer is cheaper than the least expensive single disc player?

 

[obscbyclouds]

I'm with you Greg, I would stick with the CD player only if only for simplicity sake. DVD players, hmm, well maybe if you spent $300 or so to get a decent multiformat player from Onkyo, Pioneer Elite, or Denon, I might consider a Denon multiformat player. It would give you the ability to play DVD-Audio/SACD(which you already have capability for)/and CDs of course.

What's wrong with spending $119 on an Oppo DV-970 Universal Player. It'll play CD's, DVD-A, SACD's, and pretty much any other format disc that you throw at it. It's certainly alot cheaper than a Denon, and the audio fidelity should be really close. Just another option to throw at you

 

[fmw]

You owe it to yourself to check out two products.

1. Toshiba A2. A fine DVD player that will play the HD discs your PS 3 won't play.

2. Oppo Digital DV280. I have one of these primarily for playing SACD and DVD-A. I also use it exclusively for watching SD DVD's. It upscales as well as the HD players but it boots a whole lot faster. I have yet to see a player at any price that will outperform it in terms of picture quality. It outputs all formats and modes from HDMI. $169.95 from Oppo Digital.

I have both of the units and recommend them without hesitation.

 

[davidtwotrees]

The OP wants a stand alone cd player. Finances aren't an issue, he said he would pony up $300 clams. Seth dialed in on what I was thinking. I haven't auditioned a Cambridge.....but in some emails I swapped with a gentleman at Spearit Sound in Boston, he liked the Cambridge line......and said the build quality and performance of the Cambridge Azurs were way above their price point. Here is 340C CD for $329 shipped.......or get a silver refurb for $269. Spearit also sells NAD players as well. There is a Rega Planet 2000 on Audiogon for $375OBO plus ship. I have seen and auditioned a Rega CD player and it was a fine unit with excellent build quality, functionality, and looks killer with the top loading feature. HTH. David of the TwoTrees

 

[Seth=L]

The OP wants a stand alone cd player. Finances aren't an issue, he said he would pony up $300 clams. Seth dialed in on what I was thinking. I haven't auditioned a Cambridge.....but in some emails I swapped with a gentleman at Spearit Sound in Boston, he liked the Cambridge line......and said the build quality and performance of the Cambridge Azurs were way above their price point. Here is 340C CD for $329 shipped.......or get a silver refurb for $269. Spearit also sells NAD players as well. There is a Rega Planet 2000 on Audiogon for $375OBO plus ship. I have seen and auditioned a Rega CD player and it was a fine unit with excellent build quality, functionality, and looks killer with the top loading feature. HTH. David of the TwoTrees

Rega planet is good, and that sounds like a bargain.

I don't have a problem with Oppo, other than their appearance and in my area I can only order them online. I like to see what I am getting and touch it. I have made limited internet purchases based on this and other factors around my feelings on internet sales.

If an Oppo can be had at a B&M store I would have no objection to at least checking them out.