Sony CE595 or toshiba 3980 for music? -help

[eclipse]

which one and why?

toshiba <$100 canadian, sony $270 canadian.

I built my niece a set of speakers and am supplying her with a T-amp and 'pre-t'
Now she needs a cd-player.

I like my nad 542 but that is out of the budget. the sony seems well-rated but how much would one give up by going with the inexpensive toshiba dvd player?

I want to order tomorrow so any advice is appreciated also other ideas up to 300 canadian

thanks

Leonard

 

[replytoken]

Does she also want to use the Toshiba as a DVD deck, or is this just a 2 ch. system? I have the Sony and its a nice CDP for the money. It can also hold 5 CD's which can be a nice feature for those who like to "load and listen". And it will play SACD if that is of interest. I have not heard the Toshiba so I will not comment on it.

 

[fewtch]

IMO the 3980 sounds nice stock, but has horrible (potential) durability and build quality, which limits the usefulness of modding as well, unless you do your own mods.

I'd probably go for the CE-595 just because *anything* has to be built better than the Toshiba... but of course it's a bit pricier.

Edit -- also, the Toshiba displays only the track number on its front panel (and audio mutes when fast forwarding/reversing), so unless it's hooked up to a TV it's likely to annoy the crap out of many people.

 

[systemerror909]

$270 canadian seems like a heckuva lot for that model, Usually it goes for about $120 here in the US. The exchange rate isn't that good (or bad I guess from you're perspective) though I sure would visit canada more if it was.

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.proc...d.SON+SCDCE595

I'd go with this over the dvd player, I have the cdp-ca70es which is actually very similar and am quite pleased. The exterior build quality is really nothing impressive, but the drive, at least on mine is solid and reliable. I honestly don't trust cheap consumer dvd players for reliability. Only caveat to this player is it doesn't include a headphone jack

which makes this option sort of silly for being posted on a headphones site.

I've actually been looking into this player myself as a cheap way to try out sacds. The player also has cd-text, which is one of my favorite features.

 

[soundboy]

While it may be in a whole different budget range, the Sony ES version of the SCD-CE595, the C2000ES, can be had online for about $250.00 from an authorized dealer. I mention authorized dealer because Sony ES components carry a 5 year factory warranty. In addition, the C2000ES has dedicated L/R outputs (whereas the 595 only has a set of 5.1 outputs), a headphone jack w/ its own volume control, an aluminum face plate and better internal parts.

 

[eclipse]

Quote:

Originally Posted by soundboy (whereas the 595 only has a set of 5.1 outputs)

this is not a problem is it?

I have read several references to this player for stereo use as a source and have not heard of any problem in this regard. or am I mistaken? do you just use the left and right outs and not lose anything from the signal?

thanks for the replies everyone.

Leonard

 

[replytoken]

Quote:

Originally Posted by eclipse this is not a problem is it? I have read several references to this player for stereo use as a source and have not heard of any problem in this regard. or am I mistaken? do you just use the left and right outs and not lose anything from the signal? thanks for the replies everyone. Leonard

There is not a problem. Use the left and right as you have stated, and you set the unit up for 2 ch. in its set-up mode (which is very easy with a manual).

 

[soundboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by replytoken There is not a problem. Use the left and right as you have stated, and you set the unit up for 2 ch. in its set-up mode (which is very easy with a manual).

I used my 595 in a headphone system, so I just use the L and R jacks to output the signal to my "headphone amp", which is a receiver. Like replytoken mentioned, set up the 595 so that it will default to 2 channel every time a SACD is recognized. If you want, you can always change to multi-channel from the front panel or from the remote.

 

[nabwong]

Quote:

Originally Posted by soundboy I used my 595 in a headphone system, so I just use the L and R jacks to output the signal to my "headphone amp", which is a receiver. Like replytoken mentioned, set up the 595 so that it will default to 2 channel every time a SACD is recognized. If you want, you can always change to multi-channel from the front panel or from the remote.

LOL....i didn't know you could do this. Damn...now this saves me a lot of hassle.

 

[soundboy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nabwong LOL....i didn't know you could do this. Damn...now this saves me a lot of hassle.

Didn't read the owner's manual, did you?

 

[nabwong]

Quote:

Originally Posted by soundboy Didn't read the owner's manual, did you?

I didn't. I bought it used and it didn't come with the manual. I finally downloaded it off Sony's website.

 

[andyshedd]

A word about the CE-595. Tube Research Lab of WA will do a highly recommended modding for the unit. While it is expensive considering the initial cost of the unit I have heard that the results are incredible. I am waiting for mine to be returned from the company--but everything I have read on the internet has been glowing regarding the modification. The mod costs $550 plus shipping.

 

[replytoken]

Quote:

Originally Posted by andyshedd A word about the CE-595. Tube Research Lab of WA will do a highly recommended modding for the unit. While it is expensive considering the initial cost of the unit I have heard that the results are incredible. I am waiting for mine to be returned from the company--but everything I have read on the internet has been glowing regarding the modification. The mod costs $550 plus shipping.

I talked with Paul @ TRL about modding before I bought my unit in Dec. I am not normally a fan of modding, but felt more comfortable after talking with Paul. I am very curious to hear your thoughts and opinions when you get your unit back. If all goes well, I will take a day trip to TRL this summer to drop my unit off. Keep us posted.

 

[andyshedd]

I must give the precursor that I have not broken in the unit for the recommended 250-500 hours...I have only had the unit back a few days, but what is striking me now is the almost complete lack of fatigue I experience while listening to the unit. That was the one thing that bugged me about the unit before, especially with redbook CDs. It's like my ears can finally relax and enjoy the music. I have not given a critical listening to and SACDs...all of my favorite recordings are on CD. Actually the more I listen to it I am more and more blown away...it's like there is nothing between me and the music. I'm listening though a cheapo Headroom amp and Sennheiser HD-595s (my M3 headphone amp's wall wart bit the dust). I'm really amazed...this sounds so good!