What Player to Buy As A Standalone Source?

[Sailri]

I'm slow stepping into this headphone arena, not risking too much (cash), and not buying anything I couldn't sell for close to what I've paid for it.

I have Sennheiser HD-580's and a Headroom Airhead. Now I'm looking for a source.

Here is what I'd like:
Just a CD Player or DVD Player that can stand alone on a nightstand BY ITSELF so I can listen in bed. One that will be good enough that I'll want to move up from the Airhead to a Rega Eear or some other headphone amp.

I don't have room or need for a receiver or a DAC in this spot. Just a player and a headphone amp.

I assume that all headphone amps attach to the source via the headphone jack (maybe I'm wrong?) so this player would need a headphone jack. I have a large number of Redbook CD's copied onto CD-R's (not MP3 format, just direct copies), so I would like the player to be able to handle these.

Budget should be between $50 and $150. I am eBay proficient and would expect that I'm shopping for something used either here or on eBay.

I've bid on and lost several Sony DVP-S7000's, which I used to covet when they were sitting there for $1200 in my local stereo shop. I'm sure the sound quality would be good enough for me. I don't know if that model can handle CD-R's. Does anyone know? The DVP-S7700's are close to $150 before shipping, but can handle the CD-R's. Any other Sony players that can handle CD-R's that would be recommended? I've seen some of the ES CD players but don't know if they can handle the media.

I know and respect the Marantz name as well, again, the CD-R capability is an unknown to me.

SACD or DVD Audio would be a plus. I have some that I use in my Pioneer DVD with my stereo system, but this is not a requirement.

Rega Planets - too high for me now.

Any recommendations on the used market?

Bill

 

[Necros]

For your budget I would look at a CD player...you're not going to get a good sounding CD/DVD player with SACD & DVD-Audio for $150 IMO.

You connect a external headphone amplifiers to the RCA line out, not the headphone output.

I have a Sony DVP-S500D, which is from the same gen as the DVD-S7000. My 500D does have some problems reading certain CD-R's. It's a bit picky.

Also got a Marantz CD-63SE, that has good sound from line out, and features headphone on the front (IR controlled) that plays all CD-R's I've chucked at it.

I also owned the Rega Planet 2000, great sounding player but had problems with jumping due to poor mech isolation (spindle is rigid to the case) and also digital output problems too.

Not sure the Marantz will drive your Senn's. Probably...just won't be as good as a dedicated amp. Be careful though, as headphone amp resets to 100% when power is cycled.

 

[KenW]

I've seen several 222ES's on Audiogon recently from $200-$225. They'll fit the bill and do CD/SACD. If you get the urge, Matt can mod it for you and take it up several(and I do mean several) levels. Of course, he bypasses the units headphone jack so you'd be locked into an amp at that point.

 

[Beauregard]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Necros Also got a Marantz CD-63SE, that has good sound from line out, and features headphone on the front (IR controlled) that plays all CD-R's I've chucked at it. ... Not sure the Marantz will drive your Senn's. Probably...just won't be as good as a dedicated amp. Be careful though, as headphone amp resets to 100% when power is cycled.

I can second the recommendation for the Marantz CD-63SE. Do some web searching on this model - it's a bit of a legend. Mine recently died after ten years and thousands of hours of use - but not before I got a chance to compare it to my new DAC1. Even keeping in mind that I've never been much good at detecting differences in digital sources, I was still amazed that I heard virtually no difference between the DAC1 and the old Marantz. You can do a lot worse than tracking one of these down and it should fit your budget.

But forget about using the headphone jack; it's really pretty bad. Get an RCA - mini plug adapter and plug it into your AirHead. I'm sure you'll be pleased.

Best,
Beau

 

[Sailri]

Thanks for the recommendations.

If the Marantz CD-63SE is hard to find - any other Marantz models that I should look for at the same time?

Any other players? I know it's not much of a budget, but if I just use line out the only real requirement is a decent to good CD Player,used, under $150.

Thanks for your help.
Bill

 

[bifcake]

Check this out I don't think you'll find anything even remotely this good for the money.

 

[Beauregard]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sailri Thanks for the recommendations. If the Marantz CD-63SE is hard to find - any other Marantz models that I should look for at the same time? Any other players? I know it's not much of a budget, but if I just use line out the only real requirement is a decent to good CD Player,used, under $150. Thanks for your help. Bill

I'd be awful tempted to jump on that link that bifcake posted! I have an Adcom preamp and amp from the same era as that player and they're grand. That particular player was well thought of by the audio press at the time they were being produced.

As far as other options... The Marantz CD-63 is the same electronically as the SE model that I recommended before - they pretty much just added some weight and the SE label to make it more appealing to audiophiles. There were other models that followed that also were well received - like maybe CD-73, etc. A little net searching should find the ones that were in the same "family" as the 63.

Also, I think most any CD player by NAD would fit your needs. I don't have personal experience with them, but they've always been regarded as offering good solid sound at a reasonable price.

Good luck... and keep us posted!

Beau

 

[edstrelow]

See my review in these pages regarding the Newcastle/Sherwood 980T. It is listing at $249.00 at www.jandr.com. By some dickering with the sales person I got it for $200.00 plus $17.00 shipping to CA. It also has a good headphone amp built in although I use stand-alone electrostatic amps.

 

[cavedave]

Sorry guys i just bought the 575 on audigon.

 

[Necros]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beauregard As far as other options... The Marantz CD-63 is the same electronically as the SE model that I recommended before - they pretty much just added some weight and the SE label to make it more appealing to audiophiles. Beau

I thought the SE used HDAM parts, and the standard lacked these (whatever they are)

 

[Sailri]

Since the Adcom 575 has now been recommended, I'll check it out. Will it play CD-R CD copies?

Bill

 

[Beauregard]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Necros I thought the SE used HDAM parts, and the standard lacked these (whatever they are)

Nope... the HDAM output stage was present in the original 63. My memory is that after the 63 got raves from the audio press, Marantz added some sound deadening, the SE label, and US$100 to the price to create the SE. There may have been something subtle done with the power supply electrics but I'm almost positive that the transport and signal path electronics were identical to the 63.

 

[Beauregard]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sailri Since the Adcom 575 has now been recommended, I'll check it out. Will it play CD-R CD copies?

Bill... I'm not surprised that you haven't gotten an answer - probably not many folks here with a particular 10+ year old player who've tried CD-Rs.

Did you ever follow up on my recommend to check out NAD units? They're quite popular with Head-Fi'ers, I think - and one in your price range wouldn't be as old as the Adcom so you'd be more likely to run across someone here who could tell you how well they work with copies.

I imagine you've already searched the forums for info about playing CD-Rs - you might want to consider starting a new thread here that specifically asks about people's experiences with playing copies. With Marantz, Adcom, NAD, etc. in your price bracket.

Good luck,
Beau

 

[bifcake]

I had an old JVC second generation CD player, which I bought in 1986. It was able to play CD-Rs without a problem. I assume that the Adcom would play CDRs as well, albeit I don't know that for a fact.

 

[cavedave]

I will have the 575 in one more day then I will be glad to tell you. I do know my Nad 541 will play anything,