What is your budget @smdelaney
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Dedicated CD Player Recommendations?
I have several hundred CDs I want to continue to be able to to play but my current CD changer is no longer reliable (Onkyo DX-C390). I want to replace it with a single disc player...what are folks recommending that's on the market these days (2019)?
I DON'T need a universal player.
I DON'T need network or USB playback
I DO need analog out and prefer both Optical and Coaxial Digital out (but can live with just one or the other).
Analog out is needed due to a limitation with my AVR that only permits analog content to pass to zone 2 and/or my HEOS speakers, otherwise I'd rely 100% on my BD player. Basically I want a simple, reliable player for when I just want to throw on an album and listen to it from start to finish. The ability to program a selection of tracks would be a plus.
The Yamaha CD-S300 looks pretty good to me and runs about as much as I'd like to spend. What are other folks using and what recommendations do you have?
I DON'T need a universal player.
I DON'T need network or USB playback
I DO need analog out and prefer both Optical and Coaxial Digital out (but can live with just one or the other).
Analog out is needed due to a limitation with my AVR that only permits analog content to pass to zone 2 and/or my HEOS speakers, otherwise I'd rely 100% on my BD player. Basically I want a simple, reliable player for when I just want to throw on an album and listen to it from start to finish. The ability to program a selection of tracks would be a plus.
The Yamaha CD-S300 looks pretty good to me and runs about as much as I'd like to spend. What are other folks using and what recommendations do you have?
1 - 20 of 20 Posts
I was in same position earlier this year, many stated the Onkyo C-7030 was solid good value choice with a good Processing chip. I purchased it & been very pleased
Look up Crutchfield's site. Several options for 499 or less that can do what you want. I'd be partial to Marantz.
Thank you for all of the feedback....I have several hundred CDs I want to continue to be able to to play but my current CD changer is no longer reliable (Onkyo DX-C390). I want to replace it with a single disc player...what are folks recommending that's on the market these days (2019)?
I DON'T need a universal player.
I DON'T need network or USB playback
I DO need analog out and prefer both Optical and Coaxial Digital out (but can live with just one or the other).
Analog out is needed due to a limitation with my AVR that only permits analog content to pass to zone 2 and/or my HEOS speakers, otherwise I'd rely 100% on my BD player. Basically I want a simple, reliable player for when I just want to throw on an album and listen to it from start to finish. The ability to program a selection of tracks would be a plus.
The Yamaha CD-S300 looks pretty good to me and runs about as much as I'd like to spend. What are other folks using and what recommendations do you have?
@lizrussspike ... my budget is +/- $300
@yanks1 ... I saw reviews for the Onkyo and it is definitely a contender but for the multiple stories of it [email protected] out 1-2 months past the end of the warranty. That and I've had a less than stellar experience with Onkyo in general (my last AVR was an Onkyo and only lasted 6 years and the CD changer died shortly after that).
@glangford ...Crutchfield is my go-to site for feature comparisons and reviews, then I usually hit Amazon for additional user reviews. Plus I look at the total # of reviews (and within each rating level) to weight the reliability of the overall rating.
I DO like the Marantz CD5005 and it would integrate nicely with my Denon AVR but it costs more than I would like to spend.
The NAD C538 is a possibility...simple interface (can easily operat without the remote), but again, a little more than I would like to spend.
I am leaning towards the Yamaha CD-S300 as a reliable brand at a reasonable price. I simply can't justify paying much more than what this costs for something that is only going to see limited use.
Roger that @smdelaney, sounds like you have what you want/need in the Yamaha CD-S300. I was going to suggest one of the OPPO's but they are a few $$$.
Cambridge Audio and NAD both make CD players in the price range, I believe.
I was actually saving up to splurge on the Oppo 203 and then they bailed on the market. Even with the feature overkill I could have justified the expense given that I wouldn't need to spend $$ on separate CD/4K UHD BD players. In the end I upgraded the TV (TCL) and BD (Philips) a few months earlier than I would have if the Oppo had still been in production.Roger that @smdelaney, sounds like you have what you want/need in the Yamaha CD-S300. I was going to suggest one of the OPPO's but they are a few $$$.
So now I'm leaning towards the Yamaha. As @Jawaburger noted NAD and Cambridge Audio are contenders albeit a little more expensive.
I have an old Yamaha CDC-905 5-disc carousel. If it dies and I still need to play CDs, I'd be looking at that CD-S300 as well - $300 new or $220 refurb on A4L. Historically, Yamaha's lasers have been top notch - they would read all kinds of scratched CDs while other players (looking at you, Sony!) would get stuck. Hopefully this CD-S300 is no different in that respect.The Yamaha CD-S300 looks pretty good to me and runs about as much as I'd like to spend. What are other folks using and what recommendations do you have?
I hit up Goodwill about once a month and pick up most CD players I find there. The majority are Sony 5 disc changers, which you stated that you don't need, but for $10, they are hard to beat. The majority do have analog and both optical and coax digital output. Only negative is lack of a remote, which you can find on-line easily enough.
I know that isn't a specific recommendation, but all of the units I've picked up work well and sound great. I've put them in both of my sons' rooms, and I have about 8 connected in my garage. I found a very nice Yamaha 5 disc changer at a swap meet for $10 and that is what I currently use in my main TV room.
hard to beat the $10 options (when found) at Goodwill.
Have I mentioned that I'm a cheap ass?
I know that isn't a specific recommendation, but all of the units I've picked up work well and sound great. I've put them in both of my sons' rooms, and I have about 8 connected in my garage. I found a very nice Yamaha 5 disc changer at a swap meet for $10 and that is what I currently use in my main TV room.
hard to beat the $10 options (when found) at Goodwill.
Have I mentioned that I'm a cheap ass?
smdelaney I want that TV and is on my radar. What about a OPPO 103, I know I could play my SACD's on it, and you could probably find one for less than $300.
Roger that @smdelaney, sounds like you have what you want/need in the Yamaha CD-S300. I was going to suggest one of the OPPO's but they are a few $$$.
Yamaha CD-S300 and a couple up level Marantz/Denon are at Accessories4less. Usually factory refurbs; the Marantz/Denon(s) often have 3 year warrantys. And yeah good deals to be had. Your 5005 is your price there. I'll probably buy the CD-s300 from them myself. Heard it at a friends and it matches up with my Yamaha receiver for days I just wanna play CDs.
Just realized A4L is already quoted above. Sorry to duplicate!
The Marantz CD5005 is 299 at accessories4less.com and comes with a three year warranty,Thank you for all of the feedback....
@lizrussspike ... my budget is +/- $300
@yanks1 ... I saw reviews for the Onkyo and it is definitely a contender but for the multiple stories of it [email protected] out 1-2 months past the end of the warranty. That and I've had a less than stellar experience with Onkyo in general (my last AVR was an Onkyo and only lasted 6 years and the CD changer died shortly after that).
@glangford ...Crutchfield is my go-to site for feature comparisons and reviews, then I usually hit Amazon for additional user reviews. Plus I look at the total # of reviews (and within each rating level) to weight the reliability of the overall rating.
I DO like the Marantz CD5005 and it would integrate nicely with my Denon AVR but it costs more than I would like to spend.
The NAD C538 is a possibility...simple interface (can easily operat without the remote), but again, a little more than I would like to spend.
I am leaning towards the Yamaha CD-S300 as a reliable brand at a reasonable price. I simply can't justify paying much more than what this costs for something that is only going to see limited use.
Sounds like a winner that @glangford found.
Cambridge Audio CXC or AXC35I have several hundred CDs I want to continue to be able to to play but my current CD changer is no longer reliable (Onkyo DX-C390). I want to replace it with a single disc player...what are folks recommending that's on the market these days (2019)?
I DON'T need a universal player.
I DON'T need network or USB playback
I DO need analog out and prefer both Optical and Coaxial Digital out (but can live with just one or the other).
Analog out is needed due to a limitation with my AVR that only permits analog content to pass to zone 2 and/or my HEOS speakers, otherwise I'd rely 100% on my BD player. Basically I want a simple, reliable player for when I just want to throw on an album and listen to it from start to finish. The ability to program a selection of tracks would be a plus.
The Yamaha CD-S300 looks pretty good to me and runs about as much as I'd like to spend. What are other folks using and what recommendations do you have?
https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/en/products/cx/cxc
https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/en/products/ax/axc35
I DO need analog out and prefer both Optical and Coaxial Digital out (but can live with just one or the other).
Analog out is needed due to a limitation with my AVR that only permits analog content to pass to zone 2 and/or my HEOS speakers, otherwise I'd rely 100% on my BD player.
The Cambridge CXC is a transport only, thus it has digital outputs only but not an analog output as required by the OP.Cambridge Audio CXC or AXC35
https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/en/products/cx/cxc
https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/en/products/ax/axc35
And it's why I also cited the AXC35, which has digital coax/S/PDIF and regular RCA outputs.The Cambridge CXC is a transport only, thus it has digital outputs only but not an analog output as required by the OP.
My concern was that the OP might purchase the CXC without realizing it was not suitable for his needs.And it's why I also cited the AXC35, which has digital coax/S/PDIF and regular RCA outputs.
Also, I noticed a minute ago that the AXC35 is not ideal for him either as he prefers to have both coaxial and optical outputs. Unfortunately, the AXC35 does not have an optical output.
I would think that the OP has the wherewithal to take the time to look at the links/specs before buying anything.My concern was that the OP might purchase the CXC without realizing it was not suitable for his needs.
Also, I noticed a minute ago that the AXC35 is not ideal for him either as he prefers to have both coaxial and optical outputs. Unfortunately, the AXC35 does not have an optical output.
He did say he could live with either digital coax OR optical if both weren't available. It has digital coax, which is perfectly fine. And it has the analog out.
We obviously have different ways of suggesting products.
I try to find ones that satisfy all stated requirements, if possible. If my suggestions do not do so, I will mention how they fall short. In this thread, for example, I would not suggest a CD transport to someone who obviously needs a CD player and then hope he finds out prior to making a purchase that it is not a player. I would feel horrible if I caused him to buy the wrong product.
I try to find ones that satisfy all stated requirements, if possible. If my suggestions do not do so, I will mention how they fall short. In this thread, for example, I would not suggest a CD transport to someone who obviously needs a CD player and then hope he finds out prior to making a purchase that it is not a player. I would feel horrible if I caused him to buy the wrong product.
1 - 20 of 20 Posts
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