Best cd player under $500

I currently have a JVC XL-MC222 200 disc cd changer which doesn't get much use. I have rather large cd collection (approx 2000 CDs) but actually find that I listen to more vinyl the past few years partly because I find my current player rather cumbersome. I'd like to replace it with a single CD player (no multi cd changers) that is of decent quality. Unfortunately at the time can't spend much more that about 500-600 dollars. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

Marantz CD 6004

 

I'm also in the market for a new CD player, in this price range maybe just a little higher. Why the Marantz CD6004?

I currently have a Rotel RCD 930AX that I have always liked, but it's starting to mis-read and the local repair shop said they weren't interested in working on it. I would also consider used models of recent vintage if anyone has any strong recommendations.

 

Thanks! Will check this out!

 

Anyone have experience with Music Hall's CDAC 15.3 combination cd player DAC?

 

I have owned the Marantz 5003 and 5004 and both were nice sounding reliable players.

 

NAD has always made well reviewed players in that price range.

 

If you want a player that way out performs it's price look into the Onkyo C-7030. If you do a search on the forum for "Giant Killer Onkyo CD Player with Wolfson DAC" you'll find lots of comment. When that was posted Amazon was selling it for $139 (currently $165). It's an elegantly designed, solidly built, and fine sounding CD-only player, I'm glad I purchased it. They also have a higher priced model that accepts USB input if that's needed.

 

Check out the Cambridge 351C. I find it as good as any comparable Marantz and it plays HDCD which Marantz don`t.

 

Thanks Dig! Ordered the Onkyo C-7030 today! Looking forward to it. I really appreciate your comments. I read thru the thread you suggested and it appears to be a winner.

 

If you're not using the DAC on the CD player are they all about the same? It would seem to me that if they are pushing out a digital signal to the DAC, one CD player would be the same as another.

 

I got a used Marantz SA8004 and love it. With the 800x series you get digital inputs as well. I just think it has a terrific sound to it. It took a while for it to grow on me, but its definitely my favorite among the CD players I've owned, and versitile enough that it was able to replace both my existing CD player and DAC.

 

I'm also thinking about getting a dedicated CD player which I can hook up to a receiver alongside my AT turntable. Is the Marantz CD 6004 still the best option for <$500?

 

What about the Oppo BDP-103? $500 Even.

 

The 6004 is quite good at it's price.

 

I have both the Oppo BDP -103 and the Onkyo 7030. You can hardly go wrong with either. I use the Onkyo for CD's. The Oppo for everything else.

 

I recently acquired a Marantz CD 6005 - which is $499.00 - and have been very pleased.

 

Will the Oppo BDP-103 do DVD-Audio and SACD? I may go for that since it could also double as a DVD and Blu-ray player.

 

Yes.

 

This is a great piece of gear. Great performance in both video and audio of all types.

It will even network and control the playing of all your music and picture files on your computer. If the router is running up to speed, Up to spec, it will also do it wirelessly

 

Also there is a Rega Apollo in the FS on here. I used to have one of those when I played CDs at home and it's a pretty sweet player. $450 asking right now.

 

Check out www.accessories4less.com for some great prices on Marantz B-stock and save some green.

 

I have both the NAD M5 and the M55. Used for $500-600 . Master series sold for $1800 new. No trouble. Full smooth sound.

 

AC4less also had the CA 351c refurb heavily discounted with the full 3 year warranty when I checked a day or so ago too .

 

I have been VERY happy with my Onkyo C-7030. What a steal for the price too. I cant see how this can be bettered.