Best CD player $200 or less?

[marker]

Any suggestions?. This is for someone else I'm helping. I suggested the Cambridge Audio Azur 340C. Can anyone top that idea?

[shack]

http://www.spearitsound.com/nad/C521.asp

[Vr3MxStyler2k3]

Is that a reliable company??

I may pick up the next model up... so tempting...

Thanks for that link!!

[marker]

Thanks Shack! That NAD IMO would probably be a step up from the CA I suggested. It is comparable to the next one up in the CA line, the Azur 540C, plus it is an authorized dealer and should have some sort of warranty.

Vr3, they are good to deal with. I have bought my NAD C160 pre-amp and a C270 power amp from them before. I can personally endorse them.

[tryrrthg]

I have the NAD 521 and it is a VERY good player for the money. It compares very well to my Bel Canto DAC 1.1 and McCormack Transport. The NAD is even a little more exciting to listen to. It doesn't quite get the tone of the instruments as right, or sound as neutral and "musical" as the DAC/trans, but it seems to pump a little life into the music.

I like mine so much I'm having a hard time parting with it. I don't know that I ever will.