Wanted : CD Player

[lovinthehd]

Well that's surprising and hard to understand. I know these are brand new, highly reviewed and always on back order. It's on the high side of what I'm thinking anyway since I don't feel like I need a better DAC than I have. And when I do get a better one it'll no doubt be on my next Integrated or Pre right?

Here's the thread https://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/my-cd-player-makes-a-popping-sound-at-turn-on.123185/

Sh*t happens. Highly reviewed doesn't mean much. Why worry about a dac at all?

 

[IansDad88(Don)]

Here's the thread https://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/my-cd-player-makes-a-popping-sound-at-turn-on.123185/

Sh*t happens. Highly reviewed doesn't mean much. Why worry about a dac at all?

Wow that is strange...

I only mention the DAC because I again didn't want anyone thinking it was a move for quality in any way.

BTW, I'm not entirely opposed to a BD player. But it has to be solid enough not to make noise and stand up to some sub SPL. I haven't had the best of luck in this area. But having said that, my Panasonic UB820 seems to hold up on my make-shift living room HT setup.

 

[Eppie]

You might also get lucky at a local thrift shop but it's hit and miss. They often have older CD players and at $20 it's not a big loss if they underperform. I tried going from a single disc Techniques to an RCA 5-disk changer but the RCA skipped or got stuck on some tracks even after I cleaned the lense for the laser. That went to recycling and using the old Techniques again. Had a Pioneer with 6 CD cartridge but changing discs was slow and noisy, so sold that system. Sticking with single disc now. On my main system I use a Pioneer DVD player for audio CDs and it works wonderfully. DAC technology was already mature by then so the DACs in those units are as good as what's out there now. A lot of those DVD players run nice and quiet and have TOS-link out if you insist on using the DAC in your receiver. Just need to stick with a reputable brand like Sony or Pioneer and avoid the old Magnasonic and RCA junk. Looks like you're searching more for something new but we've had some members post great thrift shop finds.

 

[lovinthehd]

Wow that is strange...

I only mention the DAC because I again didn't want anyone thinking it was a move for quality in any way.

BTW, I'm not entirely opposed to a BD player. But it has to be solid enough not to make noise and stand up to some sub SPL. I haven't had the best of luck in this area. But having said that, my Panasonic UB820 seems to hold up on my make-shift living room HT setup.

You've made a disc player skip with your sub? That's an experience I haven't had!

While I do like my Oppo 203 (and would be what I'd suggest if they still made 'em). it's just as reliable so far as my other older bluray players have been (two Sony S5100s and an S6700). It is better built, but also cost 5x as much but we'll see how it holds up over time. The Sonys are slightly noisier in operation if you're close to the machines, but from my seat don't bother me. The Panasonic works well but is in a different system?

 

[TLS Guy]

BTW I meant to ask you, what's the Marantz in your first shelf? Looks like amp only but I obviously can't tell in the picture. I ask because if it's the 7025, that's what I have and if you use it I'm interested in how/where and your opinion of it as a basic 1k power source.

There are actually two Marantz units in that rack. The large one is Marantz 7705 pre/pro.

A lot of my speakers have active crossovers. The top three units are Shure SR 106 crossovers that I have modified significantly to my purposes. The top two provide the active, and variable BSC feed, to the right an left mains, the third one provides the BSC signal to the fill driver in the center speaker.

The next unit is a Crown VFX 2 crossover for the rear backs. I bought this in 1976 and have refurbished it once after it developed some issues. It is now better than new because of updated op-amps. The next unit is the low voltage switching unit to the relays for the 9 two channel power amps providing around 3000 watts.. Next is a QUAD FM 4 radio tuner, then the Marantz pre/pro. Next there is a Panasonic BD player, next my first video player by Marantz, the DV 9600. It plays DVDs and SACDs. I keep it in the rack as it is connected by the analog multichannel outs. This allows me to play SACDs that have the rear information on the rear backs rather then the surrounds. Next a Sony universal player that plays all disc formats including SACD.

The next is an in house HTPC, that I use for most of my streaming and some video recording, especially BBC iPlayer. It has a VPN link to the Amazon server in London, as does the DAW.

There is Samsung universal video player, that plays PAL and NHTSC. At the bottom is the UPS for that rack. There is also a Chromecast Ultra as well.

In the back of the rack, is the Comcast xfinity TV box, a 19" Ethernet hub, and a two channel buffer amp which is part of the mixing circuit that mixes the BSC feed and the Sub/LFE output for the main dual TL left and right front speakers.

This is the front of the studio, you can see the front and left dual transmission line speakers, and the center transmission line speakers and the front two of the ceiling speakers.

This is the rear of the room, showing the surrounds, which are sealed designs and the rear backs which are also dual transmission line speakers. You can also see the two rear ceiling speakers.

These are the amps that power it all. They are all QUAD current dumping amps, seven 909s, and two 405-2s.

Most of this gear is between 50 and 60 years old.

I recently had my QUAD 22 control unit restored, I actually had two restored and power supplies built for them.

This is one of the restorations and this Quad 22 is 1961.

This is a Garrard 301, Decca professional arm, with Decca ffs H4E moving iron variable reluctance cartridge.

Here is is with a Decca ffss Mk II cartridge with 78 RPM stylus, playing a shellac 78 RPM disc.

You can see a very rare Auriol lift I restored in the picture.

The Quad 22 allows the correct selection of the EQ curves for the different manufacturers prior to the LP.

I am the original owner of most of the equipment in the room. There are some restorations of equipment purchased from eBay, but I have owned the bulk of it since new.

We have not even got to the tape units and the noise reduction units, which is a whole subject to itself.

I provided this info. as you seem to have in interest in gear from the past.

Some of this gear is very rare indeed now.

This is the room FR at the main listening position. This has been done by voicing of the speaker system. Note at the bottom shows the simultaneous arrival time from all speakers at the main listening position. Audyssey Eq is not used.

 

[IansDad88(Don)]

There are actually two Marantz units in that rack. The large one is Marantz 7705 pre/pro.

A lot of my speakers have active crossovers. The top three units are Shure SR 106 crossovers that I have modified significantly to my purposes. The top two provide the active, and variable BSC feed, to the right an left mains, the third one provides the BSC signal to the fill driver in the center speaker.

The next unit is a Crown VFX 2 crossover for the rear backs. I bought this in 1976 and have refurbished it once after it developed some issues. It is now better than new because of updated op-amps. The next unit is the low voltage switching unit to the relays for the 9 two channel power amps providing around 3000 watts.. Next is a QUAD FM 4 radio tuner, then the Marantz pre/pro. Next there is a Panasonic BD player, next my first video player by Marantz, the DV 9600. It plays DVDs and SACDs. I keep it in the rack as it is connected by the analog multichannel outs. This allows me to play SACDs that have the rear information on the rear backs rather then the surrounds. Next a Sony universal player that plays all disc formats including SACD.

The next is an in house HTPC, that I use for most of my streaming and some video recording, especially BBC iPlayer. It has a VPN link to the Amazon server in London, as does the DAW.

There is Samsung universal video player, that plays PAL and NHTSC. At the bottom is the UPS for that rack. There is also a Chromecast Ultra as well.

In the back of the rack, is the Comcast xfinity TV box, a 19" Ethernet hub, and a two channel buffer amp which is part of the mixing circuit that mixes the BSC feed and the Sub/LFE output for the main dual TL left and right front speakers.

This is the front of the studio, you can see the front and left dual transmission line speakers, and the center transmission line speakers and the front two of the ceiling speakers.

This is the rear of the room, showing the surrounds, which are sealed designs and the rear backs which are also dual transmission line speakers. You can also see the two rear ceiling speakers.

These are the amps that power it all. They are all QUAD current dumping amps, seven 909s, and two 405-2s.

Most of this gear is between 50 and 60 years old.

I recently had my QUAD 22 control unit restored, I actually had two restored and power supplies built for them.

This is one of the restorations and this Quad 22 is 1961.

This is a Garrard 301, Decca professional arm, with Decca ffs H4E moving iron variable reluctance cartridge.

Here is is with a Decca ffss Mk II cartridge with 78 RPM stylus, playing a shellac 78 RPM disc.

You can see a very rare Auriol lift I restored in the picture.

The Quad 22 allows the correct selection of the EQ curves for the different manufacturers prior to the LP.

I am the original owner of most of the equipment in the room. There are some restorations of equipment purchased from eBay, but I have owned the bulk of it since new.

We have not even got to the tape units and the noise reduction units, which is a whole subject to itself.

I provided this info. as you seem to have in interest in gear from the past.

Some of this gear is very rare indeed now.

This is the room FR at the main listening position. This has been done by voicing of the speaker system. Note at the bottom shows the simultaneous arrival time from all speakers at the main listening position. Audyssey Eq is not used.

Gasp... We're gonna need a bigger boat.!

 

[IansDad88(Don)]

You've made a disc player skip with your sub? That's an experience I haven't had!

While I do like my Oppo 203 (and would be what I'd suggest if they still made 'em). it's just as reliable so far as my other older bluray players have been (two Sony S5100s and an S6700). It is better built, but also cost 5x as much but we'll see how it holds up over time. The Sonys are slightly noisier in operation if you're close to the machines, but from my seat don't bother me. The Panasonic works well but is in a different system?

LMAO, no I didn't make the Panasonic BD in the living room skip, but the cheaper one, my old one that's currently in the stand is does have a plastic rattle and it drives me crazy. It has other issues as well which drive my thinking here... The damn thing loves to turn itself on whenever anything else is powered up. Another HDMI CEC nightmare for me, among other things.

So all things considered I haven't decided on anything. I rarely if ever watch movies in my listening room even though there is a TV in there. I use it more for YouTube music videos, or Roku TV on really hot days when that room is cooler.

And I fully admit to the asthetic aspect of the deal. I have an urge for a solid piece of gear that sits on the open shelf and with my other comps that can play my CD's.

But now I think I'm gonna try to see if I can make the BD skip..! Haha I didn't even think of that when I posted that comment.

 

[lovinthehd]

LMAO, no I didn't make the Panasonic BD in the living room skip, but the cheaper one, my old one that's currently in the stand is does have a plastic rattle and it drives me crazy. It has other issues as well which drive my thinking here... The damn thing loves to turn itself on whenever anything else is powered up. Another HDMI CEC nightmare for me, among other things.

So all things considered I haven't decided on anything. I rarely if ever watch movies in my listening room even though there is a TV in there. I use it more for YouTube music videos, or Roku TV on really hot days when that room is cooler.

And I fully admit to the asthetic aspect of the deal. I have an urge for a solid piece of gear that sits on the open shelf and with my other comps that can play my CD's.

But now I think I'm gonna try to see if I can make the BD skip..! Haha I didn't even think of that when I posted that comment.

Can't say I've made any piece of audio gear vibrate audibly with my subs either, but that could be annoying (if its being masked by spl I'll never know I suppose). Yeah the aesthetic of the build on the Oppo is nice but not a big deal for me, the ergonomics aren't anything special, but I use the remote other than disc insertion for the most part. The visible aesthetic is fine but not like I spend any time fondly gazing at audio gear....just not my thing (its not particularly good looking in general IMO).

You can't just disable any hdmi control features in your player? I don't use any hdmi cec in anything....lack of standards makes for different/poor implementations and IME just not worth it in any case.

 

[Bucknekked]

I can understand why you want to play CDs and so do I. I did a search for you, and really that is not much on offer. If you want something solid, then my best recommendation is the Tascam professional CD player. That has been made for years and built like a tank. That really is the only stand alone CD player left that meets your description. Now I understand where you are coming from, I can give you a definite and solid recommendation.

It is made for 19" rack mounting, but you take take the mounting "ears" off if you want.

It was made for studios, and that is why it records. Studios had them so they could burn a quick CD for a customer. I'm surprised they still make this, as we now burn a CD from the CD burner drive in the DAW, or more usually download the Wav. file to a thumb drive or send the Wav. files to the customer over the Internet.

I have a similar unit from Marantz, which is long NLA. In the picture below it is in the second rack. I used that before I built my first DAW in 2002. The current one was built about five years ago.

So that gives you an idea how these CD units were used, but not really any more, as the state of the art has moved on.

In that second rack there is from top to bottom, a Revox A700 tape recorder, an Eq, the RME DAC for the DAW, the DAW, a DAT recorder, and at the bottom the UPS for that rack. To the right is the screen and key board for the DAW and a 16 channel mix panel on a pull out draw.

I know I'm a hoarder.

Doc,
Anytime you show your stuff I am interested and impressed. I love what you've done and how you do it.
I am sort of in the market for a universal player. I don't need one. But, I kinda want one just because.
I may still act and buy. Who knows. Now I can look at the Tascam unit

 

[TLS Guy]

Doc,
Anytime you show your stuff I am interested and impressed. I love what you've done and how you do it.
I am sort of in the market for a universal player. I don't need one. But, I kinda want one just because.
I may still act and buy. Who knows. Now I can look at the Tascam unit

The Tascam unit is CD only.

If you want a player that is truly universal and plays SACDs you need to look at the top end Sony players.

 

[wgb113]

Wow! That’s a great setup @TLS Guy . Love the built-in look for the gear and media!

 

[Bucknekked]

The Tascam unit is CD only.

If you want a player that is truly universal and plays SACDs you need to look at the top end Sony players.

Doc
Yes, I sorta knew that. I was sloppy in my comment to you.
I only have a casual itch to buy in to a player. I have a PS4 I use for my BluRay concert discs and it plays other discs reasonably well. The downside to using a PS4 is that it is slow as dirt and I usually end up using the PS4 controller to play the disc. That's clumbsy because I'm clumbsy with a controller.
i don't really need a player because my entire library is ripped and stored. But just like vinyl, there are times when I just want to play a disc for the experience of it. More of a casual "want to" than a need. But our hobby is built on buying stuff we don't need so I guess that's alright. The grand kids keep coming up with requests so I may give in

 

[IansDad88(Don)]

Can't say I've made any piece of audio gear vibrate audibly with my subs either, but that could be annoying (if its being masked by spl I'll never know I suppose). Yeah the aesthetic of the build on the Oppo is nice but not a big deal for me, the ergonomics aren't anything special, but I use the remote other than disc insertion for the most part. The visible aesthetic is fine but not like I spend any time fondly gazing at audio gear....just not my thing (its not particularly good looking in general IMO).

You can't just disable any hdmi control features in your player? I don't use any hdmi cec in anything....lack of standards makes for different/poor implementations and IME just not worth it in any case.

Problem seems to be that it's inextricably linked to the eARC function. It operates the same on my 7 year old Samsung and my brand new LGCX. It drives me crazy. On the Samsung and LG it turns on the friggin amplifiers and whenever I turn of the function, it resets itself to ON and tries again whenever it polls the eARC HDMI port and finds it connected. Naturally this makes the built in Smart features a guarantee also. Meaning if I open Netflix, or Prime etc... Yeah, it blows and I haven't found a work around yet.

 

[lovinthehd]

Problem seems to be that it's inextricably linked to the eARC function. It operates the same on my 7 year old Samsung and my brand new LGCX. It drives me crazy. On the Samsung and LG it turns on the friggin amplifiers and whenever I turn of the function, it resets itself to ON and tries again whenever it polls the eARC HDMI port and finds it connected. Naturally this makes the built in Smart features a guarantee also. Meaning if I open Netflix, or Prime etc... Yeah, it blows and I haven't found a work around yet.

Yes it is entwined with ARC unfortunately (and eARC as well I assume but not as familiar with that). I find no real reason to use ARC at all with a good universal remote....
or even using multiple remotes to get around the bullshit it creates

 

[IansDad88(Don)]

The Tascam unit is CD only.

If you want a player that is truly universal and plays SACDs you need to look at the top end Sony players.

Not to keep bumping this subject, but what about the new Marantz SA30 comps? I can save up and see one day landing on a final setup for myself being that SACD with its matching amp powering a pair of Forte IV's. That sound like fun times eh?

 

[lovinthehd]

Not to keep bumping this subject, but what about the new Marantz SA30 comps? I can save up and see one day landing on a final setup for myself being that SACD with its matching amp powering a pair of Forte IV's. That sound like fun times eh?

Marantz SA30 seems to be only an integrated amp (maybe, it isn't very conlusive at all) and how would that work into the question? Got a link to what you're referencing?

 

[IansDad88(Don)]

Yes it is entwined with ARC unfortunately (and eARC as well I assume but not as familiar with that). I find no real reason to use ARC at all with a good universal remote....
or even using multiple remotes to get around the bullshit it creates

Well like I was saying, if I want to get the best, easiest portal to Netflix in Dolby Vision for example... I mean to get the Atmos. Hmmm. I guess an audio out to the SR6013?

 

[lovinthehd]

Well like I was saying, if I want to get the best, easiest portal to Netflix in Dolby Vision for example... I mean to get the Atmos. Hmmm. I guess an audio out to the SR6013?

Not sure what best device/app combo works best for Netflix in DV....I'm not looking personally. If I want Atmos I need to first install the speakers, which would be a pain in my house for the most part. Pretty much any device going to your avr first will yield better audio capabilities than routing thru a tv....

 

[Eppie]

Doc
Yes, I sorta knew that. I was sloppy in my comment to you.
I only have a casual itch to buy in to a player. I have a PS4 I use for my BluRay concert discs and it plays other discs reasonably well. The downside to using a PS4 is that it is slow as dirt and I usually end up using the PS4 controller to play the disc. That's clumbsy because I'm clumbsy with a controller.
i don't really need a player because my entire library is ripped and stored. But just like vinyl, there are times when I just want to play a disc for the experience of it. More of a casual "want to" than a need. But our hobby is built on buying stuff we don't need so I guess that's alright. The grand kids keep coming up with requests so I may give in

I use my Playstation for blue-rays and can't imagine not having the optional blue-tooth remote. Yup, the game remotes are clumsy with anything other than games. I could retire the DVD player, but as you mentioned, the Playstation is slow as dirt and I also pop in the occasional CD or DVD even though most everything is ripped. Sometimes it's convenient to just pop a disc into a drawer and press play.