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I actually need a new CD player (RIP old cdp)

212.102.47.27
Posted on December 26, 2020 at 13:20:52
Valva Actual
Audiophile

Posts: 183
Location: PNW, USA
Joined: December 19, 2009
 I am looking for suggestions for a new cdp that will be the main source for my music listening, though I have vinyl and streaming sources as well. I have lots of cds and I will continue to obtain them. I am hoping for a cdp that will work well with an NOS ladder dac (not yet obtained). I don't mind spending some cash on this, as I have been only slightly impressed with the mid-level models I have been auditioning. I think that cds can sound satisfying through the right equipment.

Are there any USA made cd players or transports which would be comparable to the Jays Audio cdp or the Hegel Mohican?
All suggestions welcome.
Thank you in advance.


 

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RE: I actually need a new CD player (RIP old cdp), posted on December 26, 2020 at 13:45:07
Todd A.
 If you're going to use an external DAC, you might consider a Cambridge CXC transport. I have one that I've been quite happy with - nice build quality, it does everything it should and nothing it shouldn't. Mine is not the V2 version, however.

 

Bryston BCD3, posted on December 26, 2020 at 19:52:14
Mike K
Audiophile

Posts: 13976
Location: 97701
Joined: September 23, 1999
 Very well reviewed, price is semi reasonable, and I will be ultra reliable.
Otherwise I'd consider lower end Rega models.

Lack of skill dictates economy of style. - Joey Ramone

 

RE: I actually need a new CD player (RIP old cdp), posted on December 26, 2020 at 21:25:14
marc g.
Audiophile

Posts: 3330
Location: New Orleans
Joined: October 14, 1999
 Any thoughts about the full CD player version used as a transport being just as well as transport alone? I ask based on the assumption that they both use the same transport mechanism, which may not be the case. Anyways, having a built in DAC could be beneficial for backup and/or troubleshooting purposes.

voolston - audiophile by day, music lover by night!

 

Marantz SACD 30n, posted on December 27, 2020 at 01:42:52
bullethead
 I've been looking into the Marantz SACD 30n myself. I have a Bel Canto CD2 that still works. I looked into your system, that is a magnificent CD player the CD2.

The reason I'm looking into Marantz SACD 30n is because out of the box it does some incredible things. Just an idea.

 

RE: I actually need a new CD player (RIP old cdp), posted on December 27, 2020 at 06:13:27
Todd A.
 I have no experience with the Cambridge CXC CD player - only with the transport - but looking them up online, the CXC transport and the CXC CD player are priced the same, so it appears unlikely that the transports are identical since the player also has to provide a DAC. Unlikely doesn't mean absolutely, though. FWIW, I also have a Stream Magic streamer/DAC t at I think pretty highly of, for the money anyway.

 

RE: I actually need a new CD player (RIP old cdp), posted on December 27, 2020 at 07:17:52
rogerh113
Audiophile

Posts: 508
Location: San Francisco South Bay
Joined: October 20, 2014
 Curious as to what is wrong with the Bel Canto CD2. Perhaps you could send me a PM.

regards -- Roger

 

Mark Levinson or even NAD, posted on December 27, 2020 at 08:09:39
cawson@onetel.com
Audiophile

Posts: 2383
Joined: September 27, 2004
 5 or 6 years ago I sold my ancient but still excellent Mark Levinson 390S player and bought a NAD M50.2. This unusually can simply PLAY a CD or it can RIP it onto its twin hard drive stores and it includes a Roon ready BluOS streamer. No DAC, but it offers extra digital inputs and an analogue input that it digitises and outputs via coax, optical or AES/EBU.

I've not heard it but Mark Levinson recently introduced the 5101 CD/SACD player / streamer. This includes a DAC and offers 2 digital inputs and outputs (no AES/EBU), but sadly no volume control. Their old 39 and 390S offered a good volume control so just add power amp. The 5101 needs an integrated or separates.

 

RE: I actually need a new CD player (RIP old cdp), posted on December 27, 2020 at 09:08:57
Grinnell
Audiophile

Posts: 709
Location: Front Range
Joined: December 23, 2007
 I bought a Emotiva ERC-4 last January and have been very happy with it. I used the built in DAC to stream radio from a MacBook. Built like a tank and very nice sound.

Then I had a chance to get a MHDT Stockholm v2 DAC (NOS, R2R, Tube ) and wow it made a big difference. Very musical and detailed not fatiguing at all. Enjoy using it with the Emotiva and a. Chromecast Audio streamer.

Should I have gone the transport/DAC route vs a CDP with built in DAC? Can't say :)

 

RE: I actually need a new CD player (RIP old cdp), posted on December 27, 2020 at 11:06:12
Mike B.
Audiophile

Posts: 26359
Location: OR
Joined: September 27, 1999
Contributor
  Since: September 1, 1999
 I have had terrible reliability with Cambridge CD players. One I sent back for repair. It took three months and cost close to $400.


 

RE: Marantz SACD 30n, posted on December 27, 2020 at 11:16:09
johntoste
Audiophile

Posts: 459
Location: New England
Joined: March 20, 2004
 Last April I bought a Marantz SA KI Ruby. I love it. The on-board dac ended any idea I might have had about a ladder dac. Also, I've been playing a lot fewer lps lately.
For what it's worth, it's named the disc player of the year in the current Absolute Sound.

 

RE: Marantz SACD 30n, posted on December 27, 2020 at 16:15:10
bullethead
 The SACD 30n converts everything to DSD 256. Does the Ruby upconvert to DSD 512? Because that one looks even better for disc playback.

Edit I see it is DSD 256.

Going up the list, that player seems excellent.

 

RE: I actually need a new CD player (RIP old cdp), posted on December 27, 2020 at 16:40:22
drumzncarz
Audiophile

Posts: 21
Location: Fl
Joined: September 26, 2008
 Second that on the Cambridge ! mine died with 3 hours use on it
NEVER AGAIN Once bitten twice shy

 

RE: I actually need a new CD player (RIP old cdp), posted on December 27, 2020 at 16:42:45
Mick Wolfe
Audiophile

Posts: 3365
Location: AZ
Joined: October 10, 1999
Contributor
  Since: September 4, 2000
 I had lousy luck with two older Cambridge CDP's. But this dates back to over 15 years ago. My newer Cambridge CXC has been rock solid for a couple years. ( I'm knocking on wood and typing at the same time :) )
Their newer gear seems to be built to a higher standard, at least from a fit/finish standpoint.

 

RE: I actually need a new CD player (RIP old cdp), posted on December 27, 2020 at 18:39:12
Mike B.
Audiophile

Posts: 26359
Location: OR
Joined: September 27, 1999
Contributor
  Since: September 1, 1999
 Good luck with your CXC. Mine plays for a while and then starts having drop outs. Discs are in new condition so it is the CXC.


 

RE: I actually need a new CD player (RIP old cdp), posted on December 27, 2020 at 18:42:51
lonzie41
Audiophile

Posts: 26
Joined: December 22, 2008
 Rotel CD-1572

 

+1 nt, posted on December 27, 2020 at 19:16:35
srl1
Audiophile

Posts: 1339
Location: Florida Panhandle
Joined: September 2, 2003
 nt

 

RE: I actually need a new CD player (RIP old cdp), posted on December 27, 2020 at 21:02:48
Valva Actual
Audiophile

Posts: 183
Location: PNW, USA
Joined: December 19, 2009
 Are there any USA made cd players or transports which would be comparable to the Jays Audio cdp or the Hegel Mohican?

 

A lot of people like Audiolab, posted on December 27, 2020 at 21:57:27
raingerz
Audiophile

Posts: 547
Location: Long Island, NY
Joined: July 20, 2013
 They make a transport, the 6000, and a standalone unit. Check out audioadvisor.com. They get pretty good reviews.

 

RE: I actually need a new CD player (RIP old cdp), posted on December 28, 2020 at 08:34:21
Mick Wolfe
Audiophile

Posts: 3365
Location: AZ
Joined: October 10, 1999
Contributor
  Since: September 4, 2000
 Thx Mike. As I say, I'm knocking on wood with my fingers crossed. If it were to fail, at least there's a few more nice options in transports below the $1K mark.

 

There's my cue! Have the Audiolab 6000cdt transport. Love it! (nt), posted on December 28, 2020 at 21:21:49
Jonesy
Audiophile

Posts: 3157
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Joined: September 1, 2005
Contributor
  Since: March 1, 2018
 nt


"I know just enough to get into trouble. But not enough to get out of it."




 

RE: I actually need a new CD player (RIP old cdp), posted on December 28, 2020 at 22:01:18
Jonesy
Audiophile

Posts: 3157
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Joined: September 1, 2005
Contributor
  Since: March 1, 2018
 North American CD players/transports

Check out:
Audio Research
Krell
Mcintosh
PS Audio
Sim Audio Moon
Bryston
Schitt (working on one)
Did I miss any???

Cheers!

Jonesy


"I know just enough to get into trouble. But not enough to get out of it."




 

Schitt (working on one)... like the sound of that..., posted on December 28, 2020 at 22:57:23
musetap
Audiophile

Posts: 31879
Location: San Francisco
Joined: July 8, 2003
Contributor
  Since: January 28, 2004
 My Jolida will give up the ghost someday and I'd rather try some
new Schitt than unearth the (even older than the Jolida) Rega
stored in the basement.

Thanks!

"Once this was all Black Plasma and Imagination"-Michael McClure



 

What transport mechanism is Audiolab using?, posted on December 29, 2020 at 08:12:13
Mike K
Audiophile

Posts: 13976
Location: 97701
Joined: September 23, 1999
 Do you know? I can't find that bit of info on the web.
Also, do you know the difference between the 6000 and 8300 series units?
The company website says they both use the same transport.

I've got a ton of CDs and am not going to move to streaming any year soon.
So I'm real interested in upgrading my digital front end. And my loudspeakers, and ... sigh ...

Lack of skill dictates economy of style. - Joey Ramone

 

RE: A lot of people like Audiolab, posted on December 29, 2020 at 08:17:30
Mick Wolfe
Audiophile

Posts: 3365
Location: AZ
Joined: October 10, 1999
Contributor
  Since: September 4, 2000
 Also currently one of the more inexpensive options in dedicated transports. If my CXC were ever to fail, I'd be looking seriously at the Audiolab.

 

RE: What transport mechanism is Audiolab using?, posted on December 29, 2020 at 08:41:03
Jonesy
Audiophile

Posts: 3157
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Joined: September 1, 2005
Contributor
  Since: March 1, 2018
 Only know that it's a slot loading drive with a read ahead buffer.

I've tried to identify it by looking at pics/info on the net, but no luck. I plan on opening it up in a couple months once it's off warranty and get a better look.

The 6000cdt is a transport only. The 8300cd shares the same transport, but also includes their M dac, and a preamp + option for MQA.

Cheers!

Jonesy





"I know just enough to get into trouble. But not enough to get out of it."




 

RE: I actually need a new CD player (RIP old cdp), posted on December 29, 2020 at 12:43:07
svisner
Audiophile

Posts: 1165
Joined: March 30, 2002
 If you're using an external DAC, you want something with a robust transport. As I feared for my ability to play CDs (as players leave the market), I purchased one of these (without the Bluetooth feature). https://tascam.com/us/product/cd-200bt/top Built like a tank.

 

RE: Bryston BCD3, posted on December 29, 2020 at 19:44:03
miner42
Audiophile

Posts: 473
Location: Texas
Joined: April 28, 2007
 I second the Bryston - it plays way above its price point. A very highly rated CDP plus a good, transferable warranty. Love mine and I had a McIntosh MCD500 before the Bryston.

 

RE: I actually need a new CD player (RIP old cdp), posted on January 3, 2021 at 07:22:23
HiOnFi
Audiophile

Posts: 1645
Location: Florida
Joined: January 11, 2004
 Maybe 2 years ago my Pioneer PD 65 Stable platter CD player finally died. I used it as a transport. I also had/have a Oppo 105, but back then I had yet to upgrade the power supply area and red book kinda sucked, so I bought a Marantz HD-CD 1, a very nicely built player (MSRP $600) to use as a transport into my Audio Alchemy DDP-1 + PS5 power supply. After I upgraded the 105, I no longer use the Marantz, but have been thinking about a new SACD/Red book CD player. A MUST for me is that it has a true balanced output section. The $6000 Marantz KI Ruby does not. REALLY?


Although I am very happy with my Oppo 105 (product release ~ 8+ years ago) after I upgraded the LPM and EIC + pure silver ground maybe 2 years ago, I just came across the Technics SL- G700, and the engineering and specs look amazing. Lo and Behold: A true dual mono with XLRs for $3000. So, I am curious as my 105 is the oldest product in my system. Could the SL G700be that much better? I use it to play Red book, SACD, and DVD-A discs.

So... when you factor in the high cost of a quality dac, power cord and transport, you will likely be pushing $3K

If you own a SL G700, how long have you owned it, what did you replace it with... does it play DVD-As

https://www.technics.com/us/products/grand-class/network-super-audio-cd-player-sl-g700.html


https://www.whathifi.com/us/reviews/technics-sl-g700

 

RE: I actually need a new CD player (RIP old cdp), posted on January 3, 2021 at 11:25:16
johntoste
Audiophile

Posts: 459
Location: New England
Joined: March 20, 2004
 The ($7K) Marantz SA10 offers balanced outs.
The ($4K) SAKI does not.

 

RE: I actually need a new CD player (RIP old cdp), posted on January 8, 2021 at 01:04:43
fantja
Audiophile

Posts: 15524
Location: Alabama
Joined: September 11, 2010
 The SA-10 is stellar.

 

RE: What transport mechanism is Audiolab using?, posted on January 8, 2021 at 11:31:35
Aaron 01
Audiophile

Posts: 741
Location: Golden Colorado
Joined: July 18, 2004
 The 6000 and the 8300 do share the same transport mechanism. The 6000 is a transport only without a built in DAC. The 8300 is a CD player.

I have the 6000CDT transport and I think its quite good. I too was looking for a good player that wouldn't break the bank. The Audiolab 6000CDT coupled with a Schiit Gungnir multibit has been one of the best sounding that I have personally owned.

 

RE: I actually need a new CD player (RIP old cdp), posted on January 10, 2021 at 01:36:58
RGA
Reviewer

Posts: 15177
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: August 8, 2001
 Why not kill 2 birds and get an Audio Note CD player. They were the company that brought non-oversampling DACs to the market. It's nice that a bunch of companies recognized how good they are and copied them.

They make 6 CD players as well as a bunch of transports and DACs. Maybe have a look at some of them.

Have a listen to their entry-level CD Zero CD player.

Or
CDT Zero (the transport) and DAC 0.1X. The CD Zero is the one-box version of the separates. I currently run the latter for all digital and Cambridge Audio CXC transport to save money.

But the goal is a DAC 4.1X and one of the new Belt Drive transports which are coming.

 

I have heard and read similar things..., posted on January 10, 2021 at 21:51:56
Valva Actual
Audiophile

Posts: 183
Location: PNW, USA
Joined: December 19, 2009
 I am wondering if the 'darker' nature of the unit will be too much for my tube integrated. I really appreciate the smooth tube sound but I don't want to go too far into a 'darker' sound which is what I think this unit will give. I just don't know, and I have no way to audition.

 

RE: I have heard and read similar things..., posted on January 11, 2021 at 20:03:18
fantja
Audiophile

Posts: 15524
Location: Alabama
Joined: September 11, 2010
 Have you found a cdp ?

 

for the moment..., posted on January 12, 2021 at 13:30:48
Valva Actual
Audiophile

Posts: 183
Location: PNW, USA
Joined: December 19, 2009
 I just picked up a used Cary cdp from Audiogon, but I regard this as a stop-gap purchase more than
a decisive acquisition. I was really looking for just a transport, but the added capabilities of the Cary
-it also plays SACD and HDCD-prompted the purchase.

I am uncertain and unsettled about the future as my main system is presently belly-up:
Primaluna int-amp back at the distributor, dead Bel Canto cdp, dead Innuos streamer/server.
I don't know where this ends up. Thank goodness for my Naim Muso2, which has surprised
me with its usefulness and its sound quality.

 

RE: I actually need a new CD player (RIP old cdp), posted on November 6, 2021 at 15:05:39
fantja
Audiophile

Posts: 15524
Location: Alabama
Joined: September 11, 2010
 Anyone enjoying a Hegel CDP4A/ Mk II or Mohican Player?

 

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