Best CD Player?

scribby31

scribby31

Active Member
I'd like to slowly build myself a decent vintage system. Of course, including a CD player is necessary. Throughout my research of vintage equipment, I have gathered that the stuff built in the 70's has much better build quality than stuff post 1980. How do CD players fit in? Are there better used ones to look for? Which makes, models, years do you suggest?
 
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Late 80's - early 90's most of the major brands had really good CD-P as there TOTL, one of the clues to look for is a weight of more than 10 kg. It sounds a bit crazy but when you look around after the old TOTL's, you soon learn there is something to it. One thing to look for is spar parts, for some of the old models you can't get new laser heads.

But don't limit you self to the old players, in the digital domain things are still developing.
 
Pioneer PD-59 is a great CDP. I'm not sure which other models shared the "stable platter" design of this model, but it is highly regarded as a transport when coupled with a more modern external DAC. It sounds pretty nice stock though too.

Denon made some very nice CDPs too- e.g. DCD-1560, 2560, 3560, probably some others. Sony made many nice CD players, I'd focus on ones with "ES" in the model name/number. I think Yamaha made some nice ones too, not familiar with that line though. Unless you get a great deal I would also confirm that replacement lasers are available, as t.r. mandak noted.

Overall, build quality on CD players has declined, although the sonics have improved with better DACs. If it were me, I'd keep my eyes open for a nice vintage CDP and pair it with a modern DAC.
 
My favorites are Denon DCD-3560 modded, Yamaha CDX-2000 and above like CDX-5000 or perhaps the century CDX-10000, Onkyo DX-G10.
 
If you see any Marantz or Philips cd players that were made in Belgium in the late 80s early 90s pick them up...you can find these at thrifts....they are pretty decent players
 
Best CD Player in the early days, anything with a Philips CDM-0 or a CDM-1 transport. ReVox, Studer, Tandberg, B&O, Meridian, McIntosh, Marantz, Philips, Magnavox, and others used them in the high end arena. Made in Holland or Belgium is a sign of a quality unit here. If the laser is good, they will read CD-R just fine (my old 1983 Magnavox FD 1010 SL still reads CD-R). No RW or MP3 capability.
 
I'm a bit of a vintage cd player collector.

Kenwood DP-1100SG
Kenwood DP-990SG
Sony CDP-7F
Sony CDP-337ESD
Sony CDP-103
Philips CD960
Yamaha CDX-1100

Best sounding and heaviest is the Yamaha CDX-1100. Warm sounding and weighs 31lb. Yep, that much!

Best transport is on the Kenwoods. In my opinion. The Philips is nice too with it's CDM-1.

The CDP-103 has a BU-1C in it, which is one of the best.

I've got far too many but just love well engineered audio gear. All the above are that, and more.

[edit: Corrected the laser type against the CDP-103. It has the BU-1C and not the BU-1E as first stated. Sorry.]
 
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botrytis said:
Well any new CD player has better electronics (meaning DAC) than the older models. In this, newer might be better.
Click to expand...

Depending on the price range of players we're talking about, yes, newer will almost certainly be better. Technology has come a long way even in the last decade, and the DACs in newer quality CD players are far superior. Heck, even a lot of very cheap DVD players now make adequate CD players. For the audio enthusiast on a budget the Oppo 980/981 DVD players are a good choice.
 
Best CD Player

Since Im only a youngin and have only had summer jobs to buy new toys I really have only owned 2 eeepcs - 900 and 1000HE.
But to add my input, I dont think it is possible to answer this question as a whole - it should be broken down to more like, what is the best computer brand for gaming/portability/deisgn/etc. Every computer "brand"/company has their own area that they specialize in.
 
Philips marketed their CDB650 here in the US under the Magnavox label (NAP) around 1990 it was the TOTL. I've had mine all these years it still sounds really nice. You might keep your eyes open for one.
 
With regards to good CD players (CDP's) there's simply no substitution for good engineering; I honestly don't believe they are limited to any one make, chipset, bit-rate, or time frame, for that matter.

I've owned numerous CDP's over the past 25 years, and have stumbled upon some real gems. Surprisingly, not all of them were that makers TOTL.

Some of the more notable models I have owned were (in no specific order): Cambridge Audio CD4 SE; Arcam Alpha 5 Plus; JVC XL-Z1050TN (and 1010TN); Sony CDP-XA20ES (surprisingly, I did not care for the flagship CDP-XA7ES); Mission PCM-7000; Theta Miles; Philips/Marantz CD-80; Rega Planet (original); and the Rega Jupiter 2000, to name just a few.

As always, the final determination, regardless of the technology, should be your underlying satisfaction; e.g. are you happy with its sound? Also, is it one that you can afford? I’m sure you will find numerous offerings within your price range, perhaps even a few TOTL’s, though that should not be your first indicator of a good CDP.

If it's any consolation, of all the players I have listed above, the Rega Jupiter 2000 has been my favorite, followed closely (very closely) by the Cambridge Audio CD4 SE. If you look at each player’s respective MSRP’s, you will find a variance of over $1000.00 and two completely different topologies, yet both are extremely capable players in their own rights. JMHO.

I hope this helps.

Marty
 
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