Thinking about a new, lower end CD Player

mr_m, Teddy Roosevelt said something like that....

In my case, just a "short, sharp shock" to the face plate just left of the CD tray.

The Sony I have is a CDP XE370. I know nothing about it. Feels very light and cheaply made but It has worked for a long time and has survived being punched in the faceplate so I can't say too many bad things about it.

The Fonzie move on the old Sony was only a temporary fix.

So here is another question:

Let's say I decide to spend more on a CD player. What am I likely to get (in terms of SQ and durability) for upping the budget from $300 to $500 or even $500 to $700.

When I look at the NAD players in that range I see that going up from the $300 to the $500 model you get a toroidal power supply for whatever that is worth. I can't see a big difference between the $500 and $700 model. None of them have balanced outputs.

Durability-wise, I doubt you will get a different transport between those, and that is what breaks (along with laser) so it should not be much different. Maybe once you go into some much higher price-ranges and even then who knows. I forgot the number, but there are only so many makers of CD transports. Some years ago even Philips exited and they were the staple among many brands. Some brands make their own but I doubt those are $300-500-700 players.

Soundwise, check specs and what DAC chip they use. for the biggest difference. Remainder seems to be smaller increments. Maybe, once you see the pattern in DACs and price, you could even pick the cheapest one with that better DAC.

I feel that more expensive models, even in your price range, may feel to be better built. Sturdier. I am sure it is supposed to be better for sound but have no real idea.

Or, why change the team that is winning? There is one just like yours on eBay.

And then, of course, you can always buy a $300 player, add a $225 fuse and end up with a $15 000 player sound. At least that is what the rumor is.

Easy
do 1k
Rega Apollo