Getting my first dedicated CDP...

[theobservatory.]

With my growing CD collection, I'm starting to move away from my iMac as a source. I'm getting sick of horrid quality MP3s and the like.

This will be my first dedicated CDP. I've never really had a real Hi-Fi rig of any sorts. I'm planning on getting an amp to drive my phones as well, but nothing too expensive. Probably even the Go-Vibe driven from a wall-wart or possibly a second hand X-Can V2 or maybe the Firestone amps or something.

I only have a pair of HD414 pad modded PX100s right now. But I'll be getting the SR124 or SR225 and possibly the K501.

I've read that some of the consumerish Toshiba players and the like are pretty hot with audiophiles, but I've no idea which are the models to look out for.

I don't need SACD playback or anything. Just regular Redbook CDs.

Your help and advice is much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[jpr703]

I'm not sure what you want to spend, but for around $400 you can pick up a NAD c542. Of the players I've heard, you'd have to spend several times that to get any substantial improvement in sound.

 

[jimholt]

The best help and advice would be to go and listen to some and make up your own mind. Jim.

 

[Asr]

What's your budget?

 

[theobservatory.]

Actually I don't think I can afford the 400 bucks for a NAD C542 at the present moment. I've heard good things about it though. Hopefully I can pick one up for a song on the used market or something. My budget's more in the range of 200USD.

I was also taking a look at the Marantz CD-5001. However I'm not sure if the players in this price bracket are worth the expense. If I'm better of saving some more cash to get a better player please do let me know.

 

[courierdriver]

Im kinda in the same boat as you. I've been looking for a nice condition, used player myself for a few months now. I've seen some NAD's going used for around $200-$250 US on ebay recently. The nicer, sturdier players are in around $400-$500 US. I'm hoping to get into a Rega Planet, Arcam, or Rotel brand.

IMO, the better built machines are in that $400-$500 used range.

I have owned NAD CDP's (2 of them) in the past (bought the first new, paid about $400); and while they sounded great (and competed with much more expensive machines), they had reliability issues.

Try to save a bit more, and keep an eye out for older models that sold in the $1000-$2000 -range when they were new. Keep an eye in the details about build quality (usually, they have a heavy casing; which helps keep outside vibrations from affecting the servo), and the transport servo-mechanism.

If you at least double your budget, you should be able to score a much better-built and sounding player; and possibly, an upgrade in your system that you won't have to strain to hear. Generally-speaking, CDP's in this price range are a better overall investment.

Good luck with your search, and PEACE!