Originally Posted by Walbaum
But what about CD-4x and CD-5x? And are there any specific DACs I should look after?
The early model CD 54 is much sought after by collectors for the original Philips CDM-1 diecast mech and the SE version even more so as it was the first Ken Ishiwata tweekjob. The 52SE and 54 MK2 SE are well worth a look.
If you find one of these or a CD 63 or 67 in good working condition you will probably find it outperforms many media PCs unless you spend a lot on a DAC and even then the higher end Philips CD transports from the 1990s are pretty much still benchmark at this price level and can be improved still further with reclocking.
Media PCs are very convenient but still on the whole not the last word in Hi-Fi.