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Sub $500 CDP

I'm one of these people, who economically have to watch their budget (big time), as I don't make the same money as I used to. In the recent months I've had to sale both my NAD C542 and my Jolida JD-100 (that one "broke my heart"). Anyway, I'm left with a 90's era Onkyo DX-C540 changer which is "alright" (btw, for those you who might be wanting to recommend a DAC, do realize the only digital output on that player is an "opitical" one). But nevertheless, I want something better, something that will get me somewhere close to what I was getting with my NAD C542 and Jolida JD-100. Now the thing is, this will probably be my last CDP purchase, so I'm not really interested in buying used. So what's new out there, that's worth a listen (and maybe a purchase) in the sub $500 catagory? I'm not an audiophile, but someone who enjoys hearing music that sounds well. I guess what I'm asking for is a player, that you might recommend to your non-audiophile friends, that wanted a good sounding player.
cleaneduphippy
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Best bet is to look for a refurb Sony 595 CD/SACD changer on SonyStyle. They come in and out of stock, so you must check weekly on Monday afternoon. So, for $60, often with shipping included you get a unit that puts many hi end units to shame. Best part is that if you don't like it, Sony will come and get it and give you back your money. I have one, and also a Sony 777es and and Cal Labs Alpha. The 595 holds its own, Cd and SACD. Check the reviews.
reubent
3,587 posts
 
What about the Sony PS-1 that is getting rave reviews as a CD player. I've read about folks replacing there $1000+ CD players with a particular model of the Sony PS-1 and never looking back. Sorry, I don't have information about the exact model, but you can search for it. I believe the going rate for the used unit is about $40......

Enjoy,

TIC
photodusty
79 posts
 
PS1 all the way, you will laugh at it and your friends will laugh at it, but you wont tire of listening to it. Very musical.

All the rad reviews you read on it are true in my system.

I use it with a Jolida 202 {tube} and a Music Hall 25.2 {SS} amps.

Both sound absolutely amazing!

db
tholt
545 posts
 
The ps1 is interesting...it has to be the most 'low tech' sounding of all the cd players i've heard. By that I mean there is not a ton of detail and the mids are very nice, many people liken it analog sounding. It has a pleasing sound, though I also found it lacking a bit in dynamics. I still have mine just to throw in the mix when I feel like it.

The problem is that it has a puny power supply so it needs to be paired with a decent active preamp and/or high sensitivity speakers. It also likes to break. For $30 on ebay, though, it's worth trying. I suggest looking for a wireless controller and upgraded C7 power cord if you go that route.
rooski
37 posts
 
I hear ya about the Jolida. I picked up a used one a few months back for $400, and it's been great (with a good PC and the right tubes to compliment your system, and ears). If I ever lost mine, I would just find another used one. With all the different CDP's and dac's sounding so different from one another, it's gonna be almost impossible to predict and duplicate the sound that you already know works for you. One man's audio nirvana is another man's listener fatigue.
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