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Best CDP under $500?..... Used market

It has come to my attention from a fellow audiogoner that my cdp may be outdated/inferior to the newer technology out there. It is a Pioneer Elite Pd-65, and was highly recommended by a friend in the audio business for 30 years.

I am wanting to pickup a few for comparison under the $500 price point, and would like some opinions. I listen to a wide variety of music.

Here is my system:
Forte 1A Amp
NAD 1600 Pre
PSB Gold i's
Kimber 8tc, Silver streak, PBJ

Thanks in advance
ljh815
s7horton
1,065 posts
 
Rotel 1072?
gfontes
8 posts
 
Cal Audio CL-15
tobias
1,534 posts
 
You just might find a Shanling CD-T80 or (a bit less likely) a JAS Audio Musik 1.2 for your money, and either of those would compete at the top of the class.
rgs92
958 posts
 
CAL Icon 2. There is one listed here. I had one back in 1995-98. I replaced it with a Meridian 508.24 and couldn't say which was better. Not to much glare or tizz (not the most resolving either, but very pleasant).
lou_setriodes's avatar
lou_setriodes
414 posts
 
If it were me, I'd keep the PD-65, sell the NAD preamp and with the proceeds + the $500, I'd buy a nice tube preamp. The NAD pre is the weakest link in your system, IMO...good luck.
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