[maxwalrath]

Hi all, I know someone who was thinking about replacing an older ADS CD3 with a newer player. It will be used for 2 channel only (judging by the current player I guess it's for redbook only). He's heard good things about cheaper cd/dvd players but has reservations about all the extra bells and whistles he won't be using.

I've had good luck with some dvd/cd combos. My inclination right now would be to suggest a stock 9000....I had one a while back and was impressed with the sound, and they are pretty cheap on A-gon these days. I'd guess it still sounds better than the newest lightweight players but I don't have anything to base that on..

Does anyone have any solid recomendations at the sub $500 pricepoint? Thanks!

[PaulHilgeman]

I listened to a Sheng-Ya CD-S10 for about 2 years, it was a great player that IMO, was better than all but the top arcam, better than any rotel, and better than any DVD player I have heard.  It was incredibly well built.  I would highly recomend replacing the stock Solen output caps, and letting ti warm up for a half hour before listening.

It was a touch mellow and compared to high dollar CDP's, lacking a little in dynamics.

Overall a great player that I picked up for around 350.  When I opened the thing up, it looked like it should have cost about a thousand or more.  I think it weighed about 22 lbs. when I shipped it for sale.

Definitely solid, and has that sound as well. 

-Paul Hilgeman

[Bob Reynolds]

HDCD decoding means a nice sounding digital filter.

Cambridge Audio has a good reputation for entry level CD players.

-- Bob