CD player upgrade?

[Joe Schmoe]

In my stereo system (not HT), I currently have a fairly cheap CD player (Sony CE375), and my receiver has only analog inputs. My questions are 1) Would I get a really noticeable improvement by buying a better CD player? and 2) How much would I have to spend?

 

[billy p]

Q#1. Not really because it already has a digital audio output. The problem if you ask me is your receiver not having a digital audio input and therefore a better cd player wouldn't be a plus.
Q#2. Some cd player do have very good analog conversion playback but would cost more then you should spend.

Cheers, Billy p

 

[Joe Schmoe]

Q#1. Not really because it already has a digital audio output. The problem if you ask me is your receiver not having a digital audio input and therefore a better cd player wouldn't be a plus.
Q#2. Some cd player do have very good analog conversion playback but would cost more then you should spend.

Cheers, Billy p

So if I replaced my stereo receiver with an HT receiver (one that does have digital inputs), and used a fiber optic cable, that would give me better sound? (I have seen some pretty nice looking HT receivers around $300, which I could manage easily enough. )

Oh, I forgot to add that there is nothing wrong with how it sounds now. I just like the idea of anything that would make it even better. Spending up to $500 is acceptable if it makes a real difference.

 

[Ryan8886]

So if I replaced my stereo receiver with an HT receiver (one that does have digital inputs), and used a fiber optic cable, that would give me better sound? (I have seen some pretty nice looking HT receivers around $300, which I could manage easily enough. )

Oh, I forgot to add that there is nothing wrong with how it sounds now. I just like the idea of anything that would make it even better. Spending up to $500 is acceptable if it makes a real difference.

Moving to digital would allow you more options in the types of audio formats (Dolby Digital, DTS) for HT while also still allowing you to enjoy two-channel stereo for music listening. As to the connection, some like Tos-Link optical and some like digital coax. I use both and can't really tell a difference. You would likely notice improved sound quality based simply on the improved quality of a newer receiver.
If you're going to upgrade, be sure to check B-stock lists for post-holiday returns! You can often get more receiver for your hard-earned dollars that way! I bought my H/K from CC last year as a "display model" for a nice discount.
Figure out your long-term plan before buying though. If you're going to be using the receiver for HT and want to use it to switch your various sources to the display, the current flavor seems to be HDMI; so be sure it will have enough inputs to satisfy any planned growth. Also make sure to read the reviews!! Don't get sucked in by huge "total watts output". It's not WHAT it puts out, it's HOW WELL it puts it out! Try to keep THD<1%! My H/K is "only" 385 watts (55w X 7), however at only .7% THD, it's able to push almost all that out to the speakers and shakes the house quite well! Enjoy!

 

[Nick250]

So if I replaced my stereo receiver with an HT receiver (one that does have digital inputs), and used a fiber optic cable, that would give me better sound? (I have seen some pretty nice looking HT receivers around $300, which I could manage easily enough. )

Oh, I forgot to add that there is nothing wrong with how it sounds now. I just like the idea of anything that would make it even better. Spending up to $500 is acceptable if it makes a real difference.

You usually get a very poor return (if any) on your dollar by trying to improve your system with electronics. And if you like the way it sounds now, leave it alone. If you have the bug and you absolutely need to upgrade something, look at different speakers or room treatments with your existing system.

Nick

 

[edonsmith]

I agree with Nick. I doubt you will tell a difference worth the cost.

Don