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Best Sounding Red Book CD Changer Under $400

Just checking to see if anyone has a recommendation on a red book CD player (it can play SACD, but that is not necessary) that has a 5 (or so) CD carousel. Just trying to get good detail, extension, and imaging without harshness. Preferrably new, but used is worth considering. Sony, Denon, Marantz, others? Thanks for any advice.
hi_hifi
bdgregory
1,580 posts
 
I picked up a Sony DVP-NC555ES off of ebay last month. They seem to be in abundant supply for buy it now pricing of $299 (mfg refurb) to $359 (new) - both with full Sony warranty (or so they advertise). This is an SACD player/changer, and the redbook quality blows away everything else I've tried, including away my NAD C-541i. Even on HDCD's (eg Neil Young Prairie Wind) it sounds better than the NAD, which possesses HDCD decoding, while the Sony does not.
newmanoc
295 posts
 
Something in the Sony ES series would seem your best bet.
sammie
220 posts
 
If you can stretch your budget, there's a guy selling new Cal Audio CL-10's here on Audiogon. This is a player that retailed for $2000 at one point. Since Cal Audio is belly up, you'll take your chances a bit, but Jim offers a 90 day warranty. I bought one and am very pleased with it. The build quality is outstanding. I took the cover off to check out the running gear. Cal used copper shielding throughout. Plus, it sounds great.

A few years ago, I used a Rotel RCC-1055 which retails for $799. The CL-10 is much better made, with a more precise disc tray, better features, and significantly better sounding.
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