[Shaffer]

But if Wikipedia say S/PDIF is both coaxial and optical, and you do not think the work S/PDIF represents both optical and coaxial.
Would is not be better to use the word coaxial, instead of S/PDIF, so a lot of people know more of what exactly what your talking about?
Otherwise those that look up definitions on Wiki and rely on it might be less confused about what your talking about. 

I'm done.

 

[CanadianMaestro]

A toslink (ie. optical) is the worst sounding consumer digital interphase on record.

+1 I hate optical. Not clear why anyone would prefer it. The optical signal has to get converted back to an electrical one anyways. Distortion crazy.

 

[cel4145]

Toslink is a type of S/PDIF
Read up if you like
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S/PDIF

You are correct. S/PDIF is the Sony/Phillips Digital Interface Format and it is based on an a digital audio signal software standard that can be transmitted as either optical and coaxial: http://www.hardwarebook.info/S/PDIF

TOSLINK is the name of a specific optical framework developed by Toshiba (Toshiba LINK) that uses the S/PDIF standard.

 

[cel4145]

+1 I hate optical. Not clear why anyone would prefer it. The optical signal has to get converted back to an electrical one anyways. Distortion crazy.

Hmmm....and somehow Google fiber manages to provide Internet at speeds of 1,000 megabits per second.

 

[CanadianMaestro]

 
+1 I hate optical. Not clear why anyone would prefer it. The optical signal has to get converted back to an electrical one anyways. Distortion crazy.

 
 

Hmmm....and somehow Google fiber manages to provide Internet at speeds of 1,000 megabits per second.

 
Speed is one thing. Distortion-free audio is another.

 

[cel4145]

Speed is one thing. Distortion-free audio is another.

Sounds like a discussion for the sound science forum

 

[CanadianMaestro]

Sounds like a discussion for the sound science forum

 
Yuck. But back on track.....
 
Inexpensive CDPs for the OP.

 

[cel4145]

Yuck. But back on track.....

Inexpensive CDPs for the OP.

Accessories4less has a factory reconditioned/factory warrantied Marantz CD5004 for $250: http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marcd5004/marantz-cd5004-single-disc-cd-player/1.html

 

[CanadianMaestro]

Accessories4less has a factory reconditioned/factory warrantied Marantz CD5004 for $250: http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marcd5004/marantz-cd5004-single-disc-cd-player/1.html

Dang, that is a good deal! Marantz does fine CDPs.

 

[Shaffer]

Dang, that is a good deal! Marantz does fine CDPs.

That's the one I had. A very good machine, especially for so little money.

 

[KG Jag]

 

Yuck. But back on track.....

Inexpensive CDPs for the OP.

Accessories4less has a factory reconditioned/factory warrantied Marantz CD5004 for $250: http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marcd5004/marantz-cd5004-single-disc-cd-player/1.html

 
Yes--that's next step up.

 

[CanadianMaestro]

I Just pulled da trigger on a Denon DCD-970 from CAM, $100!  This will replace my Marantz "Tjoeb '99" (a CD38 with tubed output). Will pair the Denon in my den with my Polaris, and maybe get a Modi 2 Uber DAC for cheap. The Denon has a digital out, unlike the Marantz Tjoeb-99.
 
The Tjoeb-99 sounds a bit murky on headphones, but for a European mod sold for about $190 two yrs ago, it ain't bad. Links here:
 
http://www.hifi-notes.com/ahtjoeb99home-en.htm
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/viewpoint/1199/donibbles.htm

 

[Shavit]

What make/model receiver and speakers do you have?

I have a Luxman R-1030 Receiver and a pair of Morel MLP 202 monitors.
 

   
You might consider spending a bit of your $250 budget for a good DAC (Modi with optical input, $100), to go between the CD player and the receiver.
Just find a used CD player on eBay, one with an optical output.
What is this monitor the current CD player is connected to and how does that work with the receiver?

The DVD player I have is connected via RCA to the receiver.
 
 
 
Thanks to all the suggestions, I will look into them thoroughly.