Best CD player under $500...

[AndrewM]

Everybody,
I'm looking for a good CD player for my system, and I'm looking to spend under $500. Also, for you Sony 9000 guys, do you think I would get better sound from the 9000, or from a dedicated CD player in that price range? I'm also not interested in SACD or DVD-A just yet so that isn't an issue. So far I'm leaning towards a Marantz CD-6000OSE, any other ideas?

Oh, and I don't want any kind of mega-changer, just a single tray load, or maybe a 5/6 disc carousel.

Thanks
Andrew

[John Holmes]

AndrewM,
I know nothing about the units that you mentioned. However, for under $500, you might want to look at a Pioneer DVL-700. This DVD/LD combo player can be had for that kind of money. Though it would be used (discontinued), it will play CD-R, CD-RW and it will pass 96/24. Not to mention you will have a back-up DVD player and a Laserdisc player to boot.

I use one for my cd playback and am quite happy with it's abilities. It is a bit noisy though so, that you know.




"I came here, to chew bubble gum and kickass. And I'm all out of bubble gum!!!" My DVD's

[Andrew Pratt]

I've always heard great things about California Audio Labs CD players but not sure if they would be in your price range or not. I understand there's a modified version of the Marantz SE single disc player thats getting rave followings but I forget its name..

[Lexman]

Yeah, Cal, Rega, good reputations. the old trusty 7000 Sony is a helluva CD player. Perhaps as good s many 2K seperate players-

That's what I use, and don't plan to change it anytime soon. Does CD-R just fine.

Lex





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[Andrew Pratt]

hmm I believe you mean the Sony 7000 doug Anyway option "B" might be to buy an external quailty DAC and use either your exisiting CD player or a DVD player as a transport. The MSB link DAC's seem to consistantly get rave reviews.

[migliore]

I vote for a used Rega Planet. Prolly easy come buy w/ the new 2000 model out.

Here's one:

http://gonmain.iserver.net/cgi-bin/cl.pl?dgtlplay&984327195

Rob




Reviews and System

[Lexman]

Oops Andrew. I meant 7000. Must have missed a digit, I will correct it.

Thanks,

Lex

[migliore]

Oh, FWIW, I did in-home AB comparison of a ~$600 CAL and the Rega before I committed. I did like the Rega better. If I remember correctly, the Rega detailed better (also detailed better than the Rotel CDP, when doing in-store listening).

Rob




Reviews and System