CD Player: Rotel or NAD?

[tbyrne]

I need a new dedicated CD player and am torn between the above-referenced brands. Is the Rotel 1072 worth twice the NAD 525 BEE? Should I split the price difference and go with the NAD 542?

The Rotel is at the very outer edge of my budget, but I wonder if it is worth the extra dough. I am currently running Monitor 7B speakers with an 80wt Marantz HT receiver.

Any thoughts?

[nikolas812]

Save your money. Get an Oppo.:cool:

[tbyrne]

Does Oppo make CD players or only DVD players?

[Kex]

Save your money. Get an Oppo.:cool:
Ha! I was just wondering about that! Nikolas saves the day once again (but might be having trouble with a few flamers in a minute or two ...).

Oh, and Welcome to the Club, tbyrne!

[Kex]

Does Oppo make CD players or only DVD players?
DVD only, I think, but they also accept multi-channel SACD and DVD-A, and of course ... CDs.

http://www.oppodigital.com/

[nikolas812]

They only make dvd players but they are exceptional at audio. A giant killer if you ask me. They can also be modded out the yin yang. Take a look at there 980H model. It is geared more toward audio I think. The 980HD is a little better for picture quality. But if you are going to use it as a dedicated CD player like I do. There is no point in spending the extra money for the 980HD. I think I paid $190 shipped with priority from Oppo. I've never been happier. It is one peice that will actually be staying for a while.

[shack]

I've heard the 980H Oppo on a couple of occasions and it's CD playback is not "all that". It's a good DVD player but I would not have it in my audio system. I have yet to hear one of the so called "Giant Killers" that actually lives up to it's reputation...including the Oppo. If funds are not an issue the Rotel is a great CDP but for the money either of the NADs will be hard to beat.

[nikolas812]

But for the money....... I like it.:) But he is right, depending on your budget....... If I had $500 -$2000 to spend on a CD player, the Oppo would be gone.

[Shizelbs]

Never heard either of them, but I've read plenty of glowing reviews about the Rotel. Thats what I would get if I was you.

[I-SIG]

The Rotel 1072 is like 90 %of the Bel Canto DAC2, which is pretty good. If you can spring for a used Cambridge Audio 840c then do it.

Wes

[Roy Munson]

I have a Nad 542 that is in 9/10 condition only due to age that has been boxed up in the closet for 1 1/2 years since I bought my Jolida. It comes with the original box. manual, and remote.

If your interested $325.00 shipped.

[shack]

Never heard either of them, but I've read plenty of glowing reviews about the Rotel. Thats what I would get if I was you.

I have heard the Rotel on several occasions and it is a sweet player. The NAD 542 close but a more laid back sound. Cambridge Audio is another excellent CDP brand I really like. I've never heard the 840C but the 640C with it's dual Wolfson is a good choice as well. I know Bill Ayotte just got a killer deal from Doro on a CA 640C.

[shack]

I have a Nad 542 that is in 9/10 condition only due to age that has been boxed up in the closet for 1 1/2 years since I bought my Jolida. It comes with the original box. manual, and remote.

If your interested $325.00 shipped.

Not a bad deal!

[tbyrne]

Thanks for the suggestions - I'm inclined to go with the dedicated CD player since i already have a pretty good Toshiba DVD player and want to focus on the audio side.

[steveinaz]

I don't think there's much out there under a grand that will beat the Rotel.

[cfrizz]

Go on Audiogon & get the Rotel used.

I love mine.

[mantis]

Go 1072. Rotel has very high marks on this player. I have personally demo'd it myself many times and always walked away loving it. If I needed a deadicted player I would seriously consider this one.

Honestly for the money , look into Sony es. They have awesome SACD/CD players used on Audiogon. They are truely solid cd players and will give you the added bonus of SACD.

I'd check that out before you spend your cash.

[steveinaz]

True, even Sony's bargain basement $129 players have good pace/punch, and are fun to listen to. I recommend Sony players to anyone that wants an inexpensive player (sub $200). I have friends that have stereo's but are not "audiophiles." They'd look at me like I was crazy if recommended a $500 CDP, so for them I say "Sony."