Poll on CD players under 1k (new)

[Norm Apter]

OK, so here is a list of 10 candidates for your choice of best CD players under 1k.

Some may have a clear winner in mind, convinced that a great CD player should work best in any system. However, if there are others who either a) have two top contenders or b) believe that synergy with a particular system is a crucial factor in performance, then here are the components/speakers that it would be paired with: pair of Lsi9s, Parasound Halo A23 (amp) and Halo P3 (pre). Whether you want to factor this into your decision is completely up to you.

In addition, feel free to add any impressions you have from comparing any two or more from the list. Or alternatively, if you like a player that runs for 1k or under thats not on the list, you can mention that too and I will wait awhile before compiling the totals of "other" players.

[nikolas812]

You know.... I didn't think a poll was necessary at first. But now I am kind of digging it. I'll be interested to see the results and follow thread.


Nice Post!


Cheers


Nick

[PolkClyde]

I don't see denon on that list..... 1988's DCD 1560 on the used market will out perform Probably most of the CD Players on that list. Google The Denon.

[Midnite Mick]

I think the poll isn't really the best way for you to decide. The only way anybody could legitimately vote based on your list is if they have heard all of those......which I am pretty sure nobody has. Therefore, it becomes more of what is the most popular.....which can be more representaive of player availability.

Myself, I have only heard 2 of those...therefore there is no way I could vote on something like that.

I think you should just go out and try to listen to as many of those as you can and then decide.

Just my .02.

Regards,
Mike

[nikolas812]

I think its the best way. Popularity is the most important thing!:p




Nick

[Shizelbs]

Shanling CD-T100

[Roy Munson]

I voted for the Jolida because it just blows away any CDP in it's price range and many costing a lot more!

For a solid state player I'd have to vote for the NAD C542, for $499.00 new it's a steal. I preferred it over the highly touted Rotel 1072! YMMV

[Roy Munson]

I don't see denon on that list..... 1988's DCD 1560 on the used market will out perform Probably most of the CD Players on that list. Google The Denon.

Denon made some great CD players in the 80's..I had a 1500 mkII in my rig for many years but imho I doubt they would out perform some of the players on the list.

[shack]

Denon made some great CD players in the 80's..I had a 1500 mkII in my rig for many years but imho I doubt they would out perform some of the players on the list.


There is NO WAY a Denon CDP from the 80's will come close to anything mentioned in this thread. I don't care how good it was, the technology has improved so much that they just can't compete with a good player from the last few years.

[Serendipity]

I like the Cambridge.

[bigaudiofanatic]

under a k what in the world have we all gone mad lmao wow i would never spend that much them most i would spend is 250.

[shack]

under a k what in the world have we all gone mad lmao wow i would never spend that much them most i would spend is 250.

Then you will have NO IDEA what you are missing.

[RutgersFTW]

See, I'm the guy who wants the $1000+ cd player but won't pay any more than $250 for it. I can respect both viewpoints.

[ben62670]

I think the poll isn't really the best way for you to decide. The only way anybody could legitimately vote based on your list is if they have heard all of those......which I am pretty sure nobody has. Therefore, it becomes more of what is the most popular.....which can be more representaive of player availability.

Myself, I have only heard 2 of those...therefore there is no way I could vote on something like that.

I think you should just go out and try to listen to as many of those as you can and then decide.

Just my .02.

Regards,
Mike

Same here. Too many people jump on the brand wagon with no actual experience. It would be nice if the people who vote only vote if they have heard multipul players in the same enviorment/equiptment.
Ben

[schwarcw]

I've heard about half of those players. I like the Rega Apollo and the Jolida. The Rotel is very nice also. I haven't heard that model Marantz but it should be very good. I would look for a used one or a B-Stock among the units that you have listed. Go for a good deal.

[F1nut]

There is NO WAY a Denon CDP from the 80's will come close to anything mentioned in this thread. I don't care how good it was, the technology has improved so much that they just can't compete with a good player from the last few years.

Agreed.

[F1nut]

under a k what in the world have we all gone mad lmao wow i would never spend that much them most i would spend is 250.

Who has the decoder ring?

[Polkitup2]

The Marantz SA-8001 is a great CD player as well as an SACD player. It definately beats my Denon 3910. The only thing that I do not like is that it can not be turned on/off with a remote.

[george daniel]

Who has the decoder ring?


I think that I ate it with my cereal and ovaltine:)

[Polkitup2]

Who has the decoder ring?

Please let me translate....

Under $1,000? What in the world? Have we all gone mad? (laughing my ass off) Wow!, I would never spend that much. The most I would spend is $250.:D

[george daniel]

Please let me translate....

Under $1,000? What in the world? Have we all gone mad? (laughing my ass off) Wow!, I would never spend that much. The most I would spend is $250.:D

Thank you ;)

[leadfoot1]

Please let me translate....

Under $1,000? What in the world? Have we all gone mad? (laughing my ass off) Wow!, I would never spend that much. The most I would spend is $250.:D

LOL!:D I own the Rotel but I'm not voting because that is the only one I have heard.

[Lasareath]

Please let me translate....

Under $1,000? What in the world? Have we all gone mad? (laughing my ass off) Wow!, I would never spend that much. The most I would spend is $250.:D


I'm upset that it doesnt play SACD's

[ben62670]

Please let me translate....

Under $1,000? What in the world? Have we all gone mad? (laughing my ass off) Wow!, I would never spend that much. The most I would spend is $250.:D

A good friend once said "if you set your standards low enough you are never degrading yourself":P
Just ribbing you:) I have ghetto players myself, but crap in is crap out. It all starts at the source. Later today I will have my ears on a Jolida 100:) I am so looking forward to the education. The price really isn't that bad for what you get. Like Sal stated no SACD:(

[Lasareath]

Here's a Jolida for $550

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1224018047

[Face]

Out of the list up top, I know the SA-8001 does SACD playback. I'm not sure which, if any of the others do. I bought one locally for $750, but you can pick up a new one off Agon in the low $700's.

[Norm Apter]

Just a few follow-up questions for those who own/use the 1) Jolida or AH! (I'm assuming that both are tube players) and those who use 2) the Marantz SA-8001.

1) Is there anything to be said about pairing a tube CD player with SS amp and SS pre. (good idea, bad idea, or neutral?) In addition, does the key advantage in going with a tube player lay in being able to switch out the stock tubes for others to achieve a modified (better) sound? Do tubes have to be replaced every so often (like a battery) as part of regular maintenance and is it expensive to do so?

2) As for the Marantz, I'm wondering what folks who use it think of it for regular redbook CD playback? In other words, was the key draw its ability to play SACDs or do you find that it is quite capable on its own for regular CDs? As it happens, the player I am currently using is its little brother, the Marantz CD-5001, which I have been extremely impressed with for a player at its price point ($300 new). So impressed that I'll probably keep it for a second 2 channel rig rather than sell it. But I would like to step up to the next level.

I didn't mean to suggest that I'm going to base my decision entirely on the results of a poll -- rather, I wanted to get an idea of what folks like and where they stand. I still need to do more research and, if I can find some good hi-fi stores nearby, listen to some of these.

Norm

[F1nut]

Is there anything to be said about pairing a tube CD player with SS amp and SS pre.

An excellent idea.


Does the key advantage lay in being able to switch out the stock tubes for others to achieve a modified (better) sound?

That's not the key advantage, but one nice feature. The key, IMO, is the benefit of tubes with the digital format.


Do tubes have to be replaced every so often (like a battery) as part of regular maintenance and is it expensive to do so?


Yes, they will need to be replaced at some point in time. Since the tubes are used in the output stage they last a long time. In both of the brands you mentioned, I believe 10,000 hours is the average. The cost can be quite reasonable to damn expensive, your choice.

[TroyD]

I wouldn't let a the fact that it's tube be the deciding factor.....however, the Jolida, IMO, is damn tough to beat for the coin.

That said, some of the modded Sony players floating around, I think Shack will agree, are pretty damn good machines as well. I went from the Jolida to a modded Sony SCD-555ES player and it is incredible.

BDT

[dragon1952]

I would seriously try a Music Hall CD25.2 first and maybe you can save a buttload of money. I got rid of my Jolida after auditioning one. Plus, no tubes to mess with. With tubes you're always wondering if you've got the best sound you can get.

[vonnie123]

I don't see denon on that list..... 1988's DCD 1560 on the used market will out perform Probably most of the CD Players on that list. Google The Denon.


Wow memories, I had a Denon DCD 2560 back thenabouts - that was quite the player. Today, I have a Denon DVD-3910, which was about $600 new, albeit, one version removed from the current model DVD-3930. I am very pleased with it for both regular CD and multi-channel DVD and SACD playback.