CD Player questions (D-NE10 related)

[Citadel712]

Cliff's Notes: Looking for model number of D-NE10 equivalent that has LCD on the actual unit, or maybe a new PCDP that has line-out and LCD on the unit.

Long Version:

Hi, I have a D-NE10 that I have been using for several months and really enjoy it. However the lack of an LCD on the actual unit has forced me to use the remote. I have my D-NE10 hooked up to an Airhead amp, so having my setup go CD player > remote > amp > headphones is slightly annoying since it makes the remote less accessable. OK, slightly annoying is an understatement -- it drives me mad.

When I bought the D-NE10 I came to this forum to look for CD-Players and remember there was similar to the D-NE10. I think it was the D-NE900 or 910 or 920 or something like that. Which one was it? I remember one was exactly the same as the D-NE10, but with an LCD on the front and possibly no remote. The other model was the "new" model that used some digital output that made everything sound "flat" (according to many people). Does anyone know which model I am looking for? It's the D-NE10 equivalent with the LCD on the cover.

Also, are there any PCDP on the horizon that maybe I should wait for? I'm not exactly in a hurry, so if there are new CD players coming out maybe I can wait to see how they fair. When are new PCDPs usually announced? Or maybe you can give me some other suggestions. It has to have line-out, and an LCD on the cover. Battery life and size aren't too important, but I'd rather get something that can be found online easily.

Thanks for your time.

 

[adam917]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Citadel712 Cliff's Notes: Looking for model number of D-NE10 equivalent that has LCD on the actual unit, or maybe a new PCDP that has line-out and LCD on the unit. Long Version: Hi, I have a D-NE10 that I have been using for several months and really enjoy it. However the lack of an LCD on the actual unit has forced me to use the remote. I have my D-NE10 hooked up to an Airhead amp, so having my setup go CD player > remote > amp > headphones is slightly annoying since it makes the remote less accessable. OK, slightly annoying is an understatement -- it drives me mad. When I bought the D-NE10 I came to this forum to look for CD-Players and remember there was similar to the D-NE10. I think it was the D-NE900 or 910 or 920 or something like that. Which one was it? I remember one was exactly the same as the D-NE10, but with an LCD on the front and possibly no remote. The other model was the "new" model that used some digital output that made everything sound "flat" (according to many people). Does anyone know which model I am looking for? It's the D-NE10 equivalent with the LCD on the cover. Also, are there any PCDP on the horizon that maybe I should wait for? I'm not exactly in a hurry, so if there are new CD players coming out maybe I can wait to see how they fair. When are new PCDPs usually announced? Or maybe you can give me some other suggestions. It has to have line-out, and an LCD on the cover. Battery life and size aren't too important, but I'd rather get something that can be found online easily. Thanks for your time.

I guess you must want the D-NE900, as that was the same generation as the D-NE10, just with an LCD on the unit (but not backlit) too. Stay away from the D-NE920 and D-NE20 (same unit as '920, just with no screen on the unit) if you do not want the all-digital amp. In Japan, there's some new CD players released: the D-NE830 & D-NE730. Both have no screen on the unit, so I wonder what the rest of that generation will be like. Been waiting for the rest of the line since December or so (Japanese press release for '830, '730, D-NF007, & D-EJ002).

PS: Here's some URLs to a UK store selling some new generation Sony models:

Sony D-NE830 (Silver): http://www.askdirect.co.uk/uview?cal...ony&topcatid=2

Sony D-NE330 (Silver): http://www.askdirect.co.uk/uview?cal...ony&topcatid=2

Sony D-NF007 (stay away if it's anything like my very crappy D-NE005): http://www.askdirect.co.uk/uview?cal...ony&topcatid=2

 

[Citadel712]

Quote:

Originally Posted by adam917 I guess you must want the D-NE900, as that was the same generation as the D-NE10, just with an LCD on the unit (but not backlit) too.

Hmm, there's no backlight on the D-NE900 LCD? That's a bummer, since I planned to use it in the dark before I sleep.

Are there any notable PCDPs with backlit LCDs on the unit, and a good line out? Do other non-Sony companies have any? Or has everyone gone the way of the remote?

 

[jagorev]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Citadel712 Are there any notable PCDPs with backlit LCDs on the unit, and a good line out? Do other non-Sony companies have any? Or has everyone gone the way of the remote?

The D-NE920 is perfect. It has a nicely backlit LCD screen on the unit, and a very clean and balanced line-out. I agree that the internal amplifier isn't all that great - but if you're using the line-out feature, it's all you could want in a PCDP. The digital amp isn't poor by any means. It's completely hiss-free, and handily beats the internal amp in any MP3 player. But it doesn't sound quite as punchy and full as previous-gen analog amps.

 

[adam917]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Citadel712 Hmm, there's no backlight on the D-NE900 LCD? That's a bummer, since I planned to use it in the dark before I sleep. Are there any notable PCDPs with backlit LCDs on the unit, and a good line out? Do other non-Sony companies have any? Or has everyone gone the way of the remote?

If you don't mind LOSING the ability to search through MP3 files, Panasonic got some new (remote-only) MP3-CD players coming out. I think they are the CT-SL830. Currently, a couple of their cheaper models (which also _cannot_ search through an MP3!) have LCD screens on them. I believe all of their models have a line-out. Usually, I would expect a remote-only model to still have a line-out jack on the unit itself and won't force you to plug anything in the remote jack. For some reason, I believe this is false with the Sonys and you have to select to change the jack from headphone to line out.

PS: One thing I don't like about non-iRiver units is lack of a continuous backlight, for nighttime usage. Having it light up for some seconds only after you hit a button is just too goofy for me. It's either always on or always off for me.