[Brett Buck]

I was going to ask Frank in a private email, but, it might be worthwhile for everyone. Hopefully it won't turn into another 8-page (and counting...) flamefest!

   I wonder if anyone has any recommendations on a good quality but reasonably-priced CD player? I'm talking about a complete player, not just a transport. I actually quite like the sound of my Onkyo 6-disc changer and am pleasantly impressed with the internal analog circuits, but the mechanics of it absolutely stink. Usually, it works, but every once in a while the "drawer" pulls out minus some of the discs, and then the whole thing jams up and you have to take it apart to get it out. Just as Frank predicted in Audio Basics in 84 or 85! I have taken to just leaving the cover loose, but, geez, there's got to be a better way than this.   It really just needs to play regular CDs, but HDCD would be a bonus since I have a few of those, too.

    Brett

[audioferret]

Onix XCD-99.

My XCD-88 (earlier version) is kicking some serious butt. 

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=processors&product=48.1

Is a CD-changer a must for you...check out the marantz...built in headphone amp...

http://us.marantz.com/Products/1860.asp

[Listens2tubes]

I am fortunate to have a CEC CD3300. It is a definite winner.
See product info here:
http://www.cec-web.co.jp/products/player/cd3300_e.html
Tech info:
http://www.mbd-indo.com/Product/CEC/CD3300/CD3300.html
Review:
http://www.hometheaterspot.com/htsthreads/tech-review.php?rev=31

[Wayner]

I suggest the Marantz CD5001. It is a single deck with a very fast trasnport, coax output and headphone with volume control. It has a 192 khz/24 bit Cirius Logic CS4392 DAC chip. $300.

W

[budyog]

I really like my Onkyo SP-1000B. It is fast, plays very well, built like a tank, the D to A converter sounds fabulous, so good I sold my DAC, and very easy to use,  I am very happy.

[weirdo]

I have the cambridge audio 640. It sounds great with the AVA solid state gear. The version 2 of it is around 500.00 now. I think it is one of the beter values in a high-spec player. the units mentioned have got good reviews also.

[BrianM]

I don't know about reasonably priced, but I had a chance to compare my Arcam CD23 to maybe 4 other players when I bought it (I'm almost positive one was an Onkyo) and it won easily. Obviously you'd be buying used. The DAC (called "Ring", by dCS) got really good reviews at the time. It's feeding my new AVA amp and I doubt I could be much happier short of some major speaker upgrade.

[Parnelli777]

Jolida JD100A. Absolutely wonderful sound, 12AX7 tubed output stage. Used, usually under $700. New, $900 or a little less.

A true giant killer, if I've ever heard one.

[bummrush]

Second for the Arcam cd92 or 92T or the cd23 or 23T,these still beat a ton of anything out there even nowadays,rind dac way ahead of its time for good sound out of cd.

[PaulHilgeman]

I am fortunate to have a CEC CD3300. It is a definite winner.
See product info here:
http://www.cec-web.co.jp/products/player/cd3300_e.html
Tech info:
http://www.mbd-indo.com/Product/CEC/CD3300/CD3300.html
Review:
http://www.hometheaterspot.com/htsthreads/tech-review.php?rev=31

My Ayre CX-7e uses the same DAC, it (DAC and player as a whole) is(are) simply awsome, the Ayre that is, and I have heard lots of good things about the CEC players as well.

-Paul

[EclecticSeeker]

I also want to weigh in for the Arcam CD23.  I run mine through a DAC, but have A-B’d without it against a number of others, and it’s really a nice piece – as are most of the brand.  You’d probably need to find one used, but it’s been around long enough that used ones are becoming available. 
Good luck!
 

[Brett Buck]

Thanks guys, I think I have useful some information to go on.

     Brett