best cd player for ~400 bucks

Discussion in 'Audio Hardware' started by Beatlelennon65, Jun 2, 2005.

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  1. Beatlelennon65

    Beatlelennon65 Active Member Thread Starter

    What is the best new cd player that I can get for around 400 dollars. I am looking for a single disc player that will probably go with a Denon receiver. Sacd playback isnt a must, but I would really like it to have that feature. I would be willing to spend a little more if something is available that is "lights out", but 400-450 will probably be the limit.
    Thanks
    Rob
     
  2. Green Tea

    Green Tea Sweet Soulful Sounds

    Location:
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  3. James RD

    James RD Senior Member

    Location:
    Southern Oregon
    I've heard good things about the Cambridge Audio Azur 640C.
     
  4. Jay

    Jay New Member

    Location:
    Pittsburgh PA
    What do you think of its HDCD capability?
     
  5. audio

    audio New Member

    Location:
    guyana
    I think you'd be WAY better off using the $400 to buy a used player that's a couple years old that original sold for three times the price.
     
  6. AudioEnz

    AudioEnz Senior Member

    Don't know what the prices are like in the US of A, but the Cambridge Audio 640, the NAD 542 and Rotel RCD-02 are among the better affordable CD players. One of my writers, who reviewed both the NAD and Cambridge, would go for the Cambridge if it were his money.
     
  7. joeriz

    joeriz Forum Resident

    Location:
    Pennsylvania, USA
  8. rjp

    rjp Senior Member

    Location:
    Ohio
    denon DCM-380 - $299.00 and it has HDCD.
     
  9. J. R.

    J. R. Cat Herder

    Location:
    Kansas City, MO
    I have an Azur 640c....best audio investment I have made in a while.
     
  10. Beatlelennon65

    Beatlelennon65 Active Member Thread Starter

    I might consider buying a used CD player, but I really dont know where to buy one from and I would be concerned with how much it had been used over the last 2-3 years. Any ideas on used CD players and where to buy?
    Thanks
     
  11. TMan

    TMan Forum Resident

    Location:
    Washington, DC
    I've read some very good things about the Sony 2000ES in that price range. SACD capable (5 disc, not single play though). Check oade.com - great store, friendly and knowledgeable staff. If you call them you can talk to one of the knowledgeable staff, and they are honest and reasonable.
     
  12. mtodde

    mtodde New Member

    Location:
    Atlanta, GA
    :edthumbs:

    I bought the Onix XCD-88 about 6 weeks ago and have been very happy. I am going out analog via RCA to my Rotel. As much as I love my Denon DVD-2900 for SACD and DVD, its Red Book performance left a lot to be desired.

    For $321 with shipping the Onix is worth a listen.
     
  13. DanK

    DanK Forum Resident

    Location:
    San Anselmo CA USA
    I have a Sony DVP-NS755V. Single disk, SACD and DVD, $129 retail.
    Compare its SACD and redbook to anything under $1000.
     
  14. SamS

    SamS Forum Legend

    Location:
    Texas
    I agree. If you could find a used Sony C555ES or Denon DVD-2900 in your price range, you'd be good on both CD and SACD fronts.
     
  15. Another Side

    Another Side Senior Member

    Location:
    San Francisco
    I'm looking around for a used CD player as well. Other than eBay and audiogon are there options for buying used audio equipment out there?
     
  16. Jerry

    Jerry Grateful Gort Staff

    Location:
    New England

    Excuse my ignorance, but what specifically is "re-badged"? Is it an "imitation" or are the guts an actual Music Hall CD-25? :confused:
     
  17. Jerry

    Jerry Grateful Gort Staff

    Location:
    New England
    It can be so confusing. Here's a brand list I've put together of players audiophiles seem to like in the $500 and under range:

    Onix, Cayin, Shengya (aka Vincent), Shanling, Jungston, Korsun, Kavent, Azur, Rotel, Denon, NAD. Any others? Finding a reputible dealer for some of these (Chinese) models is another story! There are many stories of folks that were burned...
     
  18. beep

    beep Senior Member

    Location:
    Virginia

    I agree
     
  19. chargrove

    chargrove Forum Resident

    Location:
    Fort Worth, TX
    Hi this is my first post.

    Try this...a Sony SCD-CE595 modded by Tube Research Labs w/ tube output stage. This player has been getting good reviews due to its astonishing price point and seems to be tweaked just the right way for this mod. Total Cost should be less than $750 for everything.

    I own this player and have been breaking it in hard. Can tell you that it sounds great now and plays SACD's. Should have the mod done by end of summer if it works out right.

    Good luck!
     
  20. KeithH

    KeithH Success With Honor...then and now

    Location:
    Beaver Stadium
    I have to respectfully disagree. I have used a number of the budget Sony SACD players, some with and some without DVD playback. While these players are all excellent values, I've found that the weak link on all of them has been CD playback. The 'NS755V is a very good DVD and SACD player for the money, surprisingly good, in fact. However, it does not compete with the better CD players at $1000 and under. CD players from NAD, Arcam, and Rotel will beat it, for example. Just my $0.02.
     
  21. KeithH

    KeithH Success With Honor...then and now

    Location:
    Beaver Stadium
    Hello and welcome. So you are currently using a stock 'CE595? I bought one last year and was pleasantly surprised by the performance with CDs and SACDs for the mere $150. I ended up returning it and getting the 'C2000ES, which is a bit better and has the 5-year warranty. In the end, you can't go wrong with either player.
     
  22. KeithH

    KeithH Success With Honor...then and now

    Location:
    Beaver Stadium
    I don't know if you can get a used 'C555ES for $400, but if you can, it's a heck of a bargain. It originally retailed for $1700. Construction and performance are excellent.
     
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