Reliable CD Player for ~$300

john1970 · « **on:** 18 Feb 2007, 03:02 pm »

Dear AC Members,

My NAD 502 CD Player is on its last leg (it is starting to mistrack on the end of ALL CDs) and I am looking for a new player in the $300 +- 20% price range.

My short list includes:

1) Marantz CD5001 Single Disc CD Player 3 yr warranty List: $329.00
2) Sony ES 5 Disc SA-CD/CD Changer SCD-C2000ES 5 yr warranty List: $399.00 (sells for $299 and J and R).
3) Cambridge Audio Azur 340C 2 yr warrany List: $329.00

I am leaning towards the Sony ES 5 disc changeer because it has the best warranty and I can get it for 25% off of retail from an authorized on-line dealer. Any suggestions are welcomed.

Thank you,

John

avta · « **Reply #1 on:** 18 Feb 2007, 03:49 pm »

Oppo players have gotten some excellent reviews and you can't beat the price.

rosconey · « **Reply #2 on:** 18 Feb 2007, 04:52 pm »

might try a toshiba dvd-the new one sounds better they say than the 3950 -and put the 250$ you save in the bank

lcrim · « **Reply #3 on:** 18 Feb 2007, 05:07 pm »

If I had $300 to spend on CD playback I would get a Squeeze Box 3. You couldn't post here if you didn't have a PC so you're set. Pick up a X-over cable if you don't have a home network, maybe $10. Download Exact Audio Copy, its free and Slim Server also free. Never worry about a CDP breaking down again.

fredgarvin · « **Reply #4 on:** 18 Feb 2007, 05:10 pm »

I can vouch for the Marantz cd5000 but have not heard the 5001. I would rate it much better than the Toshiba's I have owned. I prefered it's own dacs over a couple of outboard dac's I tried as well. If you are using an outboard dac, I suppose it broadens your choices. The Cambridge gets a lot of raves as well.

Wayner · « **Reply #5 on:** 18 Feb 2007, 10:25 pm »

I have the CD-5400 by Marantz and it's a great player. The newer version CD-5001 has newer D/A chip set and I'm sure will sound great. The drawer is fast, the headphone amp (with volume control) will blow your ears out and it has a remote.

W

tvad4 · « **Reply #6 on:** 18 Feb 2007, 10:31 pm »

If you're buying new because you want the warranty coverage, then hopefully you've verified that Sony will honor the warranty of a unit purchased on-line through an unauthorized dealer. I don't know if this is Sony's policy, but I know it's Denon's policy. I also don't know J&R's dealer status with Sony.

If you might consider a used player, then a used Sony DVP-7700 ES would be excellent for around $250. Later you could add a DAC and have a top drawer digital front end.

BTW, I have a Sony ES CD changer that I purchased new in 1992, and it's still running like a Swiss watch. Never has required servicing.

WEEZ · « **Reply #7 on:** 18 Feb 2007, 10:54 pm »

Of the (3) mentioned, my vote would be for the Marantz.

SET Man · « **Reply #8 on:** 19 Feb 2007, 01:24 am »

Hey!

I own Sony 5 discs SACD/CD changer SCD-C2000ES since it first came out. I picked it up from J&R. It had been a while now but it still work flawlessly.

The sound is pretty good. Actually better than I expected by itself. But now I'm using it as a transport feeding my DAC kit and the sound is better. The Sony work well as a transport. And of cause it is very convience to have 5 discs ready at your finger tip

BTW... the previous CDP I had was '93-94' Rotel bottom of the line model single disc CDP. I have have it in my second/TV system but it is starting to give out I think

Take care,
Buddy

Soundbitten · « **Reply #9 on:** 19 Feb 2007, 02:41 pm »

I replaced my aging Adcom700 with Sony ES 5 Disc SA-CD/CD Changer SCD-C2000ES last year . I use it with a tube dac but it sounds great alone too .

Folsom · « **Reply #10 on:** 19 Feb 2007, 08:18 pm »

S Clark · « **Reply #11 on:** 20 Feb 2007, 04:27 am »

Another vote for the Marantz 5400 model or newer

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #12 on:** 20 Feb 2007, 06:02 am »

Whatever you can find for <$200 and a $99.00 Dakiom Feedback Stabilizer.

eric the red · « **Reply #13 on:** 20 Feb 2007, 06:43 am »

I'd get a $300.00 TT instead

Wind Chaser · « **Reply #14 on:** 20 Feb 2007, 04:01 pm »

If only a TT could play all the latest greatest music...

Oh, and add another vote for the Marantz. Pretty much all CDP's are reliable so I wouldn't be too concerned about warranty. If you're not to picky about the sound of the unit, then a CDC (Changer) would be great for the added convenience.

Soundbitten · « **Reply #15 on:** 20 Feb 2007, 08:46 pm »

Quote from: Wind Chaser on 20 Feb 2007, 04:01 pm

Pretty much all CDP's are reliable so I wouldn't be too concerned about warranty. If you're not to picky about the sound of the unit, then a CDC (Changer) would be great for the added convenience.

Is that right ? A single disc player will beat a changer in all instances ?

Wind Chaser · « **Reply #16 on:** 20 Feb 2007, 08:59 pm »

Soundbitten,

You're reading too much into my post. In the context of the 3 stated options, the single disc Marantz player is musically a better option than the Sony changer.

Soundbitten · « **Reply #17 on:** 20 Feb 2007, 09:03 pm »

Quote from: Wind Chaser on 20 Feb 2007, 08:59 pm

Soundbitten,

You're reading too much into my post. In the context of the 3 stated options, the single disc Marantz player is musically a better option than the Sony changer.

Sorry , I misunderstood your post . Thanks for the clarification .

Wind Chaser · « **Reply #18 on:** 20 Feb 2007, 09:08 pm »

No problem

navi · « **Reply #19 on:** 21 Feb 2007, 07:26 am »

I would recommend you try out a few of those chinese DACs and CD player.

Reliable CD Player for ~$300

S Clark