2. digital
  3. 1037709682

CD Player buying decisions

I am in the market for a CD Player. I have been looking at prices and reviews of both new and used equipment. I would like some advise on what to purchase. Right now, I have a generic 14 year old JVC CD player that I have had since college.

I have about $550 to spend, but I would love to spend less so I can buy more music! I will be playing regular CDs and CD-Rs. I probably will not be buying SACDs or DVDs anytime soon as I am a two-channel guy. I listen to a lot of jangle pop, power pop, ethereal pop, and post punk.

Here is what I have been thinking about:
Used -
Linn Mimik II
Rotel 971
Rega Planet
AH! Tjoeb '99

New -
Music Hall MMF CD 25
NAD 541li

My system is as follows:
B&K ST-140 amp
Polk Audio Monitor 7 speakers
Onkyo Integra P-304 preamp
Superphon Revelation II preamp (currently getting upgraded with Black Gates caps)

Any advise is welcome.

Johncan
johncan
tsrart
79 posts
 
I've got the Music Hall in my headphone rig, and like it a lot -- for $400 and change new, it's hard to beat.

Check with Underwoodwally here on Audiogon -- he's a Music Hall dealer, and I THINK he's located somewhere in the Atlanta area.
smjason
60 posts
 
I also am a big fan of the music hall, it is a great player for the price. I also like the Linn Mimik, but they are different sounds, listen for yourself and goodluck,
stehno
1,453 posts
 
A used Sony DVP s9000es should easily compete with or perhaps excel some of those in your current list of cdp's regarding redbook cd playback.

And since you are not interested in SACD and DVD, I will not bother mentioning that the s9000es excels in those formats as well.

-IMO
johncan OP
23 posts
 
smjason,

I probably won't be able to audition a Linn Mimik II before I buy one used. Can you describe its sound?

Is it a better buy than a new Music Hall MMF CD 25? Used Mimik II appear to sell in the $500-$600 range.

Thanks!

John
tsrart
79 posts
 
The DVP S9000ES significantly betters the Music Hall. (I have the 9000 in my main HT rig, and tried it out in the headphone system, too -- better bass, more seperation of instruments, and a better soundstage, if you can use that term to apply to headphone listening.)

However, even used, the 9000 is selling for more than $550 -- seems to be around $700 here on A-gon these days. Johncan, if you can spring for the extra $$$, the 9000 would definitely be something worth considering.
More to discover