[peter braun]

Is there anything on the used market that would sound as good as the Sony for under $200, such as an NAD or a Denon ?

 

[andrzejpw]

I own the denon, and I've heard the sony. I may be a bit biased since I own the denon. . . but I'd put it pretty much equal stock, and slightly ahead when you remove the headphone jack(10 minute job), where some of its low points(highs, dark sounding), are fixed a bit (Highs less fatiguing, and mids are more neutral).

But both are fine players. . . if I had to choose, I'd go with the sony, simply because it's also an sacd player. But be advised: its a dvd player first, cd player second, so it may not be as easy to use(but personally, who cares?)

Good luck in your decision! You won't be disappointed with either one.

 

[SumB]

The discontinued Parasound CDP-1000 far outclasses the Sony's on redbook. This out of production unit is free of digital nasties, liquid, open, and even handed in a way no $500 player has the right to be. They fetch about $200 on Audiogon, but are a rarity. If you get a unit without tracking problems, you will be delighted with its CEC transport.