Vintage Sony Discman:Which ones to look for

[Podtweaker]

Hi all, being new to this forum I was wondering if someone could point me toward which of the older portable CD players to look for with sound quality as my top criteria ? Thanks

 

[Jahn]

I've owned a D15, a D25, a D35 and a D777. If you're actually going to go portable, the D777 is the only choice since it has anti-skip. That said, it doesn't do too shabby sitting on your desk either, and looks good to boot. That ALL said, there's a certain type of allure from the all-metal beasts of the past, and the D25 had a cannon of a headphone out. But for SQ I enjoy the line out of the D35. Just a nice balance of analogey warmth without getting too boomy.

 

[PerformanceFirst]

I believe there are reviews of several here:

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=23

Check out the "review of cd players through the ages" especially.

 

[redshifter]

sony d777. it's a killer pdcp and indestructable (mine is 10 years old and still going).

/this should be in "portable"

 

[Copperjacket]

He He He

 

[warubozu]

Check the link below to Duncan's in depth review of the various Sony vintage PCDP to start you off:

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showth...ghlight=duncan

 

[2ndbest]

SQ wise, are these Sony things better than Iriver IMP's?

I had an IMP900 and loved it, I should never have sold that thing.

 

[Kirosia]

I went the pcdp route and realized the *jump* in sound (particularly in a portable environment) wasn't worth the lack of convenience a DAP ensures. Current digital players sound relatively good nowadays, and don't suffer from size/build/battery/storage issues that many old-school pcdps are known for. If you're looking for a home/office player with great sound, consider a full-size deck/soundcard/etc. I've seen some nice ones go for less than a high-end vintage portable.

 

[sonic_rage]

D-33 & D-34.

 

[Podtweaker]

Thanks to everyone who took the time to reply. I guess I should have said "personal" rather than "portable". Actually I'd like to see a "personal" SACD player(battery powered with tubed output of course), but we all know how likely that is to happen ! No, I'm not going to share what I was smoking with anyone (unless you can find this player for me) Thanks again .

 

[909]

The King...

Sony D-555 (more features and tricks than you could shake a stick at; 16-bit, 8-times oversampling, it also was one of the first units to offer dual digital to analog converters {one per channel} and has a built-in five band digital equalizer)

And a non-Sony honorable mention that probably bests every single vintage Sony or portable player ever made...

Denon DCP-150 (probably the finest portable every produced with it's great DAC, optical out and superb sound and build quality)

 

[markmaxx]

I have this PCDP (the one in the review) and love it. Holds its own with the sonys in terms of sound quality. Not as nice looking and plays on AA batteries. Alot of the sonys need a unavaible battery pack. I still have mine in the closet with the box all the acc. PM me if you are at all interested. As we can not sell things here.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showpo...47&postcount=1

 

[enjoythemusic]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 909 /img/forum/go_quote.gif The King... Sony D-555 (more features and tricks than you could shake a stick at; 16-bit, 8-times oversampling, it also was one of the first units to offer dual digital to analog converters {one per channel} and has a built-in five band digital equalizer)

Years ago i felt that way too... until the D-25 blew my socks off for sound quality. Sure the D-555 has many tricks up its sleeve, no doubt about it. Still, never expected the D-25 to do much, but at $50 on eBay years ago and my love for chackies... Once the unit arrived the sound quality won me over. For those who may have missed it, have a full review of various portable CD players at http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazin...stportable.htm .

 

[Gonz]

Theres a *cherry* D-555 on eBay right now.
With photos and videos of the unit in use and all... If you want one, I have to say, you'd be hard pressed to find another auction like the one up there now. Even includes the original reciept LOL

 

[gloco]

I've personally used a D-11 (iirc), D33 and D25S and Panasonic clt-470 (iirc). The 25S goes hella loud in the headphone out but it has a metallic tone to its sound. The D33 is also quite loud, but a little too warm for my tastes and the mega bass is useless. The D-11 sounded wonderful, full-bodied and well, fun to listen to. Too bad the damn thing broke after an hour of listening to it. The panasonic sounded awful in comparison, treble was rolled off and it just had this soft, warm sound to it which disguised intricate details. Just tough to listen to.

Personally, if I were you...look for something that has good battery life and skip protection if your going to use it in the field.