2nd tier CD players

[JonJeffman]

I hope I don't offend anyone with the title, I'm not trying to say some of these CD players aren't great sounding, but I was looking for some advice on some of Rotel's CD players a step down from the top.

I've seen many recommendations/praise for the very top (i.e. Michi, 990, 991(AE or std), 1072, etc) but even at used prices they're a bit out of my budget. So any opinions on the next step down in price (i.e. 975, 971, 1070, etc...).

I'd like opinions on both whether there is a marked step down in sound quality and it's worth saving up for one of the very top models, as well as comparing some of the 2nd level CDP's to each other (especially the 975 vs 971 as I seem to see these pop up for sale fairly often).

I found this link:

http://www.vasiltech.nm.ru/files/cd-players/CD-Player-DAC-Transport.htm#R

which says the 971 shared the same DAC & transport as the 991, so I would assume that puts it in pretty good company, but then I've heard that the phillips transport used on the 975 is fantastic.

Also, any opinions on HDCD? Does it make a noticeable difference? I don't think I have that many discs with this anyway so not sure how much that'll play into my decision.

Thanks for the opinions.

[JonJeffman]

I guess my question was too specific to find answers, so forget about a direct comparison between the RCD-975 vs RCD-971, but any owners of either of these models that can attest to their qualities?

I've seem to have read that the 975 often needs some gears replaced so that the cd tray can open/close. Any other problems encountered with either of these models?

Thanks

[chanlon]

I'm not too familiar with Rotel models. I have Rotel equipment but not CD/DVD players. I recently sold my Arcam and replaced it with an Oppo.
I was floored at the quality of the player. CD performance was very good for a player at approx. $500. The analog section does a great job IMO. I've also used it using the Burr Browns in the 1069 and thought it sounded real smooth.
It may be worth considering.

HDCD does sound great but its relative to the quality of the mastering. Redbook performance can be very good if properly implemented.

Just my 2 cents.

[Alaric]

Lots of good stuff here http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/srch_fs.pl

and here http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....rantz-SA-8260-

I'm biased towards the Marantz , because I own one , but I've heard a few Cambridge Audio CD players and they are very good units. Hope this helps.

[JonJeffman]

I'm not overly familiar with any specific Oppo, Marantz, or Cambridge Audio models but have read that they are good in general. But then what models of these can I get used for the similar price range to a used RCD-971/975 (ie. $150 ish), and do they make models in this price range that can compete with the 971/975?

[cobipz]

I hope I don't offend anyone with the title, I'm not trying to say some of these CD players aren't great sounding, but I was looking for some advice on some of Rotel's CD players a step down from the top.

I've seen many recommendations/praise for the very top (i.e. Michi, 990, 991(AE or std), 1072, etc) but even at used prices they're a bit out of my budget. So any opinions on the next step down in price (i.e. 975, 971, 1070, etc...).

I'd like opinions on both whether there is a marked step down in sound quality and it's worth saving up for one of the very top models, as well as comparing some of the 2nd level CDP's to each other (especially the 975 vs 971 as I seem to see these pop up for sale fairly often).

I found this link:

http://www.vasiltech.nm.ru/files/cd-players/CD-Player-DAC-Transport.htm#R

which says the 971 shared the same DAC & transport as the 991, so I would assume that puts it in pretty good company, but then I've heard that the phillips transport used on the 975 is fantastic.

Also, any opinions on HDCD? Does it make a noticeable difference? I don't think I have that many discs with this anyway so not sure how much that'll play into my decision.

Thanks for the opinions.

If U R Looking for the player, I will sugest to by 971, it have beter sound than 975...I wos have the bouth of them...