Which CD player would you keep?

[mfell]

I have two vintage Magnavox CD players. Model numbers are:

CDB650 and CDB610

The CDB650 (The top one in the pic) is the higher end model although don't know if it is really better or not. It is a little heavier and has the cooling fins on the back of the unit. Both units sound great. I really don't need both of them so i plan on Ebaying one of them. Which one would you keep and why?

[Mike Gibson]

Understand I'm no expert and know very little about M-Vox players. With that in mind here are my thoughts.

The 650 has a variable output so can drive an amp directly. Which leads me to believe it's the better player because of the added build expense.

The most important thing is which one sounds the best to you? I'd make two copies of a Cd and set the volume so both are the same output. Then set up your preamp so you can switch between the two. Invite a friend over start both players and have your friend switch them so you cannot tell which is playing and listen and go with the one you like best.

Hope that helped a bit.

Mike

[dj_AmTraX]

If you can't hear the difference. The better model may get more money.

[mfell]

If you can't hear the difference. The better model may get more money.

To be honest there is no difference in sound although the 650 is slightly louder. So slight that you can barely hear the difference. Maybe a couple DB or so.

[Andyman]

Which one has the respected Belgian transport? both? Neither? Where were they made?

[mfell]

Understand I'm no expert and know very little about M-Vox players. With that in mind here are my thoughts.

The 650 has a variable output so can drive an amp directly. Which leads me to believe it's the better player because of the added build expense.

The most important thing is which one sounds the best to you? I'd make two copies of a Cd and set the volume so both are the same output. Then set up your preamp so you can switch between the two. Invite a friend over start both players and have your friend switch them so you cannot tell which is playing and listen and go with the one you like best.

Hope that helped a bit.

Mike


Thanks for the valuable info Mike. I would love to hook up my tube amp directly to this and see how it would sound.

[KentTeffeteller]

Hi,

Keep the CDB 650! This is a superb player with a better grade transport. You'll love it.

[Tiver]

I have a 650, it has that number pad so direct track access if the remote fails :yes:. And it has the FTS FWIW. I never actually used that feature.

[OvenMaster]

From everything I've read, the 650 is Belgian-made, and is considered legendary. There are even a number of mods for it.
Tom

[KentTeffeteller]

Hi,

CDB 650 players are indeed Belgian made. They are also an audiophile favorite. Easily modified and a tweaker's paradise. One of the finest early players out there.