New vs Used CD Player

I wouldn't consider the Shanling in your price range, yes it looks neat but its sonics are claimed to be less then the Cary units- Talk to Bwhite about this he has all the details. I think if you want to run direct(from cdp to amp) then its a no brainer save and get the Capitole MkI, if your getting itchy to get a new player and don't want to wait the EMC-1 is an outstanding player also worth adding to your list is the Audio Mecca Mephisto II which happens to be Bwhite's player of choice(I trust his opinion because he is one of the only people here that has heard virtually all the 'good' players and is NOT a dealer). ~Tim

My opinion these days is to buy gear "new" where the technology truly does change frequently - i.e. pre-amp, processors, cd players, dvd players
and to buy "used" where the technology does not change that often - i.e. amps, speakers, cables.
Gimme a week, it'll probably change again, but that's my latest thinking anyway ;-} -aj

I agree in the basic philosophy as stated by Angela100.

I always bought NEW stuff. That is until I found Audiogon, Ebay, Audioreview, Audioclassic, and Audioweb. Get the IDEA, you can find LIKE NEW CD's and everything else and SVAE to buy MORE if you shop wisely. Audiophiles are always buying and selling equipment. I think listening is most important but getting TOYS that are new to YOU and trying them is a LOTT of FUN.

If you can get a two year old class a player for 60-70% less than the new model I would buy the used one . Many of the new models cost a lot more and do not offer the bank for a buck value . A few examples Sonic Frontiers SFCD 1 around $ 1,600. , ARC CD-2 Around 1,500., Meridian 508.24 around $ 1,500.00 , Krell 300 around 1,800.00 Mark levinson # 39 around $ 3,000.00, the Electrocompient 1 around $ 2,500. They don't get much better than these.