CD-Player upgrade confusion

[tdpofjc]

after recently upgrading my music on system: ONKYO 8511 110 W
RT800i and PSW404 sub, I was thinking of upgrade my cd player.
Its a basic single tray Sony 1996 model...I suspect the technology has changed but my main concern is quality of sound not "bells and whistle", I don't even care for a changer as they all seem to jam, I am just happy I don't have to get up and flip an album over !! lol

I was told things to look for on a quality CD player are things such as number and type of DACS, SN ratio, digital/analog out, types of power supplies, ability to play new types of CD formats (SACD or DVD-A). What about HDCD format as well.

I don't want to get over techy as I am not even sure what half the stuff means in the previous paragraph but there must be a decent quality CD player out there.

thanks to all

[F1nut]

How much do you want to spend?

[tdpofjc]

I realize that after reain some of the forums, I may be a bit over my head with my initial post.

To answer your question, I spent $125 in 1996 for my Sony...Is there anything decent in the $250 - $300....again I realize I am out of my league here but I would think there is something better than a 1996 sony.

thanks for your time

[F1nut]

You're not over your head, it's called upgrade fever and it's very catchy. :D

Check your pm.

[tryrrthg]

Look at the NAD 521 and 541 (used). both great budget players! I have the 521 and LOVE it.

There are some other NAD desciples around here that will probably chime in...

[Tour2ma]

Just to add to the confusion... Consider an outboard DAC. Couple threads here, and many more around the web, discussing ones that are in, and even well below, your stated budget range.

[organ]

You can look for a used NAD C541 or save a little bit more for a C541i. Both models include HDCD decoding. You can read about them here: www.nadelectronics.com
Other CD players you should check out are Rotel, AMC, Rega and I'm sure other members will add to the list.

Maurice

[Zero]

Nad has good stuff, though I prefer AMC.

Identical sound, much lower price tag.....

[tdpofjc]

thanks for the reply...

Do you have a specific AMC model comparable to the NAD 521?
Do you know the AMC web site for info ?

thanks to all

[RuSsMaN]

amchome.com

[tdpofjc]

On the AMC website they listened two phased out models.

CDM7A

CD8a

Are these comparable to NAD 521 ? Are they considered entry level ?

[RuSsMaN]

I'm not familar with the 521, but as far as AMC goes, you want to (sign up), and look at the refurb list.

CD8a, if you plan on using an external DAC
CD8b, if you don't want to use an external DAC (has 24/96 Burr Browns built in)

Unbeatable at the price point, imo (for new/factory refurb)

Cheers,
Russ

[Dr. Spec]

HDCD is going no where fast, I wouldn't worry about that format.

Due to Sony's weight, SACD is fast outpacing DVD-A, but both offer good sonic quality. The SACD technology is superior, IMO, though.

Few players offer both DVD-A and SACD, and you've gotta pay if you want both.

Even if you want just one format, don't skimp on the player because (as alluded to above) the quality of the DACs in the player will largely determine how the player sounds in SACD and DVD-A with external analog outputs.

Opinions may differ, but from what I've read, expect to spend $500 or more on a decent player that will offer very good sound quality. You can find DVD-A and SACD players cheaper, but the sound quality might suffer (there are exceptions to this rule, probably).

Doc