Looking for a CD player

[nj1035]

Hi, I am currently new to the forums and fairly new to the world of audiophiles in general. I am learning, however, as I am a Sound Recording Major at Texas State University.

I'm working on building a budget stereo system mainly for music, but it will also be used with my TV as well. After some research, I have settled on this:

Yamaha RX-797 Stereo Receiver
Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 bookshelf speakers
Polk Audio PSW10 Subwoofer

First off, are there any suggestions as to whether these components would work well together?

Second, with this gear is it necessary to buy a decent CD player or am I wasting my money? I'm concerned that I may need better speakers and a better receiver to justify spending a few hundred dollars on a CD player.

Any ideas as to what CD player may be best for my system? Thanks to anyone who replies...your input is much appreciated!

 

[Bassman2]

Well I know that I just bought a $345 universal DVD/CD player factory refurbished for $219 and it sounds amazing and has a great picture with DVD's. It especially sounds fantastic with super audio CD's (SACD) and audio DVD's (DVD-A). I cant think of a better bang for the buck.

This is it...http://www.dakmart.com/itemdetails/31349/185/

I have it teamed up with a new Yamaha RX-V659 which is also great IMHO, and can be had for as little as $260 without a warranty although I paid $345 WITH a factory waranty. They are both going through Infinity Primus 360's which are being heavily discounted due to their being discontinued. But the replacement model just has cosmetic changes. So I got them for $350 instead of $500! All together I think I got a really great sounding system for a ridiculously low price. And most of it was thanks to advice on this forum/website reviews.

 

[Seth=L]

The most immediate weak link that I see in you system would have to be the Polk subwoofer. Speakers and subwoofers dictate 90% of the sound. With ample amplification and reliable sources the sound will not be drastically different with other similar products (amplification and sources).

 

[Nick250]

First, buy a DVD player not CD player. The CD player has no advantage over the DVD player and there are few CD players sold anymore, so you have many more choices by going with a DVD player.

I think you can do way better than the Polk sub. What is your budget for the sub and how large is your room in cubic feet?

Take $250 from your receiver budget and add it to your speaker budget. Sound quality is all about speakers. By comparison the receiver little to do with it. Good luck and get back to us with the room size for a sub recommendation.

Nick

 

[nj1035]

Thanks for all of your replies.

My room will definitely be small. I will be moving in a couple months, so I'm not sure exactly how small it will be. I would guess somewhere as small as 12x12 to 15x15.

As I said before, I'm not really interested in Home Theather right now, only in quality stereo music reproduction. I was thinking the Polk sub because it's small but if you all have better suggestions I'm definitely open to them. I could go as high as $300-500 for a sub, but I didn't feel the need to because I don't need much power for a small room. If there are small subs that are tighter and more enjoyable than the Polk let me know! That's why I'm here.

To the person who mentioned I throw more of my receiver money towards my speakers, what would you suggest as a receiver/speaker combo?

Thanks again!

 

[Seth=L]

Anamorphic96 has a nice Energy 8.3 for sale. He is asking $175 for it, and it should walk all over the Polk. It is an 8", so it doesn't take up much room.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31334

Good luck.

 

[obscbyclouds]

As far as your CD/DVD Player goes. Do you have an HDTV(w/HDMI input)? If so, I would recommend the Oppo DV-981HD, It does really well with my Redbook CD's. It also plays DVD-A and SACD's if you are going to get into Hi-res music (I recommend you do!). I should warn you, however, this DVD player DOESNT have component outputs, it's specifically made for HDTV's. I believe either the Oppo 970 or 971 has component connections.

Good luck with your purchase. You might want to check out HSU resarch subs in your budget as well instead of that polk, along with the sub Seth recommended.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Yep...get the Oppo DVD player and find a different sub and you will be good.

 

[Nick250]

The x-sub has been very well reviewed, I think there is review right here on the AH site as a matter of fact. $199.

Nick

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=subwoofers&product=12.1