Best portable CD player?

[finleyville]

I was just wondering what model of portable CD player seems to be the best. Are some older models better than newer like what happened to portable cassette players? I'm not worried about total volume; I'll be using a Hansen amp to power my phones (Sony V6.) Thanks for everyone's input!

 

[delenda est Sony]

oops! Wrong forum

Moderator will probably move you over to portable devices.

In a nutshell, the creme de la creme of PCDPs per reviewers on this board is an older Sony design called the D25. Available at eBay for roughly $45. Main reason cited for superiority is power output (can even drive Senn 580s well w/o amp) and general musical nature of sound reproduction (though higher end of treble range has been critiqued by a few.) Also, the D25 has a short battery life and minimal to no skip protection and is also largish and bulky.

Amongst more modern designs, Panas are generally liked better than Sonys. The SL 470 and 570 are usually described as the best of the current bunch. If you already have the power output solved (with your amp and easily driven V6s) than you have a lot of options as Panas are usually cited as being better phones for reasons of power output rather than actual sound, so you could go with either higher end Sonys or Panasonics based on other concerns like features, size and weight etc.

I am summarizing my own post searches here; I own a Sony DFJ61 which I bought before looking on headfi. It works just fine, sounds OK, and lasts forever on 2 batteries. But no one else here seems to have much of an opinion on it one way or the other... Hopefully you will get other responses!

happy hunting!

 

[andrzejpw]

I like the panasonic ct570. www.onecall.com

btw, you in pennsylvania?

 

[finleyville]

delenda est Sony
Yup, I accidently entered the wrong forum to post. Anyway, thanks for all the info. I did stumble upon your Sony review...great job!

andrzejpw
Yes, I'm from there. Guess you figured that out by my user name? That's actually my nickname too. GO STEELERS!!

 

[purk]

Guys,
Please, don't forget Sony D777 and D-E905. D777 are very slim and compact...yet features excellent sound reproduction. The D-E905 is a reworked of D777 with a better crispness, but less dynamic. This 2 PCDPs are much much better than the best of a newer products. I used to have the D-E925, EJ-01...and the headphone out of those two are horrible.

 

[cola]

Now iI use D-335 and D-303

 

[andrzejpw]

lol, yeah, I figured it out by your username. I'm in Upper St. Clair. We may have hte makings of a head-fi meeting . . . theres 3 of us! Maybe one more . . .

 

[finleyville]

who is the other Pgh member?

 

[Ctn]

Everyone is bagging the top of the line Sony players...and I was wondering has anyone found a better pcdp with a better line-out than say the 925 or 01?

Im asking this since ppl are saying the phones out sux...which I totally agree (main reason why I bought the PC). But since the thread starter is using it with a hansen amp, it would make sense to recommened a player with a good line-out.

I vote for the 925's line-out

since I found the 925's since out to be very clean.

As for the D-25s, prob not a good option since its not going to work very well in a portable scenario

 

[finleyville]

CTN

Actually, I don't plan on using it as a portable, per se. I do travel much and would only use it on airplanes or hotel rooms, not doing any moving around with it. Maybe the Sony D-25? is a good choice?? My only rrequirement is a GOOD line out and play CD-R's.

 

[RVD]

The d-25 would be a great choice for you then as it does have a great line out and plays cd-r's without a hitch.

 

[Ctn]

Quote:

Originally posted by finleyville CTN Actually, I don't plan on using it as a portable, per se. I do travel much and would only use it on airplanes or hotel rooms, not doing any moving around with it. Maybe the Sony D-25? is a good choice?? My only rrequirement is a GOOD line out and play CD-R's.

You should read the threads here for info on the D-25. From what Ive read...The D-25 skips on a beat.

Not sure what's cheap and has a good line out. Then again the 925 isnt that expensive

825 maybe

(same as 925 but with plastic shell)

 

[Duncan]

Quote:

Originally posted by Ctn You should read the threads here for info on the D-25. From what Ive read...The D-25 skips on a beat. Not sure what's cheap and has a good line out. Then again the 925 isnt that expensive 825 maybe (same as 925 but with plastic shell)

Unfortunately they are NOT the same thing but in a different casing... the 825 distorts at anywhere near approaching normal volume, whereas the 925 can get to the top of the volume control and just about keep hanging on...

I have the 825, and have auditioned the 925 so I know that there is a definite difference... as to the line out, they could be the same...............

 

[Superbaldguy]

The 925 seems to work very well with classical and jazz CD's quite nicely, but heavy rock is too much for the laid-back headphone amp. I can't vouch for the 825, but it's a bit cheaper for a reason.

The output of the 925 is very good for a modest 5 mW amp, as it seems louder than the putput from my two Sony MD recorders. It's very attractive and slim, and the batteries (NH-14WM's) will give you a good 40 hours of playing time before you have to recharge them.

I *dearly* wish that Sony could have incorporated the 8-step bass/treble tone controls that come standard on their high-end MD recorders, like my R909. That would be SWEET.

 

[Flumpus]

Check out the Panasonic CT780, which is supposedly under $100 now. It's got a great line out!