Looking for a budget CD player...

[J.D.N]

I have decided the next addition i want to make to my set up is a 'budget' CD player. My budget is £300.

So far the only one ive looked at is the AudioLab 8000CDE.

Im also finding it kind of hard to find a decent review site. Has anyone got any suggestions?

 

[J.D.N]

I don't suppose anyone has heard the Pioneer D-6? It seems to be getting some good reviews?

 

[Mindless]

My brother has the Pioneer PD-D6-J and it's a alright budget CD player. It sounds pretty good but the "budget"-part shines through a bit in my opinion, but I guess that's because my own CD player is fairly high-end..

It has a couple of (more or less) useless functions, for example the "Legato Link", which sounds awsome (the name!), and supposedly improves the sound, but is actually just a button that turns the display off - no impact on the sound.

Another problem with it is that it's pretty loud. If you don't have closed headphones or above average volume, you'll probably be bothered by the sound coming from the spinning / reading of the disc.

The CD drive tray is also pretty flimsy. It has a metal faceplate which leads you to think that it's a very sturdy construction, but when opening the tray it's all plastic. A plastic tray which wobbles and looks like it's going to break from the slightest touch.

I'd take a look at some of it's counterparts from Denon, Marantz and NAD.

 

[J.D.N]

Cheers, i spent some more time looking around today, and i've found some more contenders. I've also decided to up my budget to £400 as it seems that that price incorporates a lot more choice and won't take much more time to get the money.

Harmon Kardon HD970

Vincent CD-S2

Advanced Acoustic MCD 203 II

Onkyo DX-7555

Marantz SA7001

NAD C542

Rotel RCD-06


Any opinions would be much appreciated.

 

[Mindless]

I'd definately look into the NAD, Marantz, and Advance Acoustic.

NAD is a reputable brand with high-quality players eventhough they don't cost a fortune. My friend owns a older model and he's very pleased with it. Personally though, I've never heard a NAD.

Same thing can be said for the Marantz. Good, reputable brand with sturdy and heavy CD players.

As for the Advance Acoustics CD player. I think it's fun because the output stage (if I remember correctly) has a couple of tubes in it which you could swap to change the character of the sound. It's also a balanced player so if you want to, you could build a balanced rig around it.

 

[manofmathematics]

Don't look over the Music Hall CD25.2

Very neutral with a pretty decent soundstage. It was on my short list before I picked up my Jolida.

That said, I don't know much about the Advance Acoustics, but if tubes are involved, I'd give a serious look.

I've found that a tubed output stage on the source can add all kinds of wonderful magic, but that is my perspective from my Jolida.

Good luck on your decision.

 

[zillac]

Also look at Cambridge Audio Azure 640c.
It is often compared with Nad C542, and is usually in the same price range for used equipment.

It seems on Head-fi, many people prefer the Music Hall CD25.2 to CA and NAD. Though I never compared them.

 

[J.D.N]

I've heard the CA Azur 640c ... its nice but i think id prefer something else.

Im going to see how many i can audition over easter. For some reason i can't find anywhere that stocks the Music Hall. Will continue to hunt.

The Advance Acoustics is looking very tempting having balanced out and the tube output stage, but i really want to hear it before i buy.

 

[J.D.N]

Bummer, tubes are only on the balanced out and i won't be upgrading to a balanced amp for a few years yet probably.

There seems to be so much choice, but at the same time, not much at all. I hate decisions.

Would anyone argue for getting the Advance Acoustics for the tube/balanced output option in the future?

 

[pataburd]

Check out the EVS-modded players!

Pioneer DV-79AVi mods

 

[zotjen]

The Onkyo should be considered a serious contender.

 

[selfdivider]

Marantz CDPs have a really sweet sound you'll like a lot. My vote is also with Cambridge Audio players... I own the 840C, which is bloody fantastic. Another option? Sony Playstation 1 (SCPH-1001). You can get one from a garage sale for $25. Put some good interconnects on it, and it'll perform better than some players costing thousands of dollars. I know there are non-believers, but I use it constantly and at times, favor it to the Cambridge Audio.

Also, look into Oppo Digital's 980H. Plays DVDs, CDs, SACDs, DVD-As. Totally cheap and amazing sound quality. Run the player through a decent DAC later & you'll have a serious transport-DAC system on your hands, amigo.