Denon DCD-620...

[Richd82]

any good? I found someone selling it for $40. Currently my only cdp is my ps3.
This is all i could find online about it http://www.ebay.com/itm/160730730069...84.m1423.l2649

I would like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/STUNNING-Jol...96542455347682 but its outta my price range for the foreseeable future.

[chumlie]

For $40. I would give it a try.

[nwohlford]

I would hold off. I have had a DCD-820 since new, and it is a nice transport. Since the DCD-620 does not have a digital out, I assume that you are using the analog out. The DACs in those units are not supposed to be anything special. They are nice players, but I think for slightly more you can find something much nicer.

[tonyb]

Agreed ^^

[Richd82]

So what should i look for in a good cdp? What key features/specs should i keep an eye out for while finding a used piece?

[headrott]

Look for a DCD-3000. It's one of the best sounding "older" players I've heard. Should be able to get one cheap now as it came out in about 1992. It will blow away the DCD-620.

Here is a link to one, but you should be able to find one cheaper if you look. This one looks to be in very nice shape though: http://www.ebay.com/itm/DENON-DCD-30...item3cc22d82c0

Greg

[nwohlford]

The DCD-3000 is a very nice CD player. One real advantage to it is that it has digital inputs, so if the laser or any other component ever dies you get a cheaper CD player with digital output and still use the DCD-3000 DACs. Probably tough to get one for under $300, though. Some of the other four digit Denons have very good reputations and go for a little cheaper (say down to $100).

I would look for something with digital outputs incase you want to use an external DAC at some point. If you looking for older models, I would definitely read about them online, since players may have had laser issues or other issues which could make you player not last very long. I like Denon, NAD, and Marantz, but there a lots of good CD players from other companies (Sony ES and Yamaha to name a few others of the major brands).

Also, I would include DVD players both the early generation TOTL 2 channel models (some of which had incredible 2 channel analog performance) and some of the more basic universal players which are great for their price. Some people overlook the 2 channel audio performance of some early DVD players, so they go fairly cheap on the used market (especially ones without progressive scan).

Right now I am kind of combining the two in my two channel system. I have a modified Denon DVD-5000 that only plays CDs (intentionally unlike a lot of the DVD-5000s that had DVD laser issues) and a DVD-2910. The Denon DVD-5000 has the digital input like the DCD-3000 (it does not have balanced output though). I use both to play discs but only use the DACs in the DVD-5000. This way if the laser ever gives out in the DVD-5000, I still have the DVD-2910. (Although I just got an Oppo BDP-83 which I may switch for the 2910.)