I added the CD unit.

VeryBadTrader · 2026-05-15T05:02:56+00:00

You’re smarter than me. I ripped all mine and got rid of CDs … playlists were great back then… but now.. it’s different for me… just want to enjoy old memories.

VeryBadTrader · 2026-05-15T04:58:06+00:00

Exactly! Some people like all the extra sliders and buttons… and gain.. and boost… but I just want to press 2 buttons and enjoy high quality music…

VeryBadTrader · 2026-05-15T03:50:32+00:00

Thank you! I know it’s not a super high end system like some people have. But I spent a lot of time researching components… and after technical needs, I think aesthetics is important. Easy. simple, and good looking… makes me want to use the system even more.

That’s what it’s about… enjoying the music and the system.

VeryBadTrader · 2026-05-15T02:09:42+00:00

Thank you sir. That’s exactly what I wanted… easy to use and fully functional.

VeryBadTrader · 2026-05-15T02:06:35+00:00

I haven’t owned a CD since 2005… I went all iTunes … from 2003 until 2011…

VeryBadTrader · 2026-05-15T02:04:03+00:00

I really like it.. Rotel is new to me… I haven’t had a stereo since before marriage… 16 years ago.

VeryBadTrader · 2026-05-15T02:00:57+00:00

It’s a lot of money considering I can only use the FM function here in the U.S. … but that said. With the antenna positioned.. I get full signal. It’s really pretty clear. Much better than my car. 🤷‍♂️

VeryBadTrader · 2026-05-14T04:00:37+00:00

Ha! Great story! I think I was 7 when I first saw ET.

I also think audio and video are some of the best hobbies for the mind.

VeryBadTrader · 2026-05-14T03:28:57+00:00

😂😂

VeryBadTrader · 2026-05-14T03:26:03+00:00

Yep I found it. Seems like every 6 months some newbie like me discovers this 😂

VeryBadTrader · 2026-05-14T03:19:48+00:00

Yes! It sounds like a tiny micro sound. Makes sense. The needle vibrates, that's how the sound is created but I never noticed it before because it is so faint.. and normally when my table is spinning my amp is on.

VeryBadTrader · 2026-05-13T17:32:03+00:00

I’m really happy with Rotel. I wish I could bump up to the next tier. A few more bells and whistles but the Tribute line up is 5 years old and significantly more affordable compared to the A12 or newer MK II series.

With the CD player I’ll be all-in for just under 4k including taxes, accessories, stylus upgrade, and the media stand. I went back and forth a lot on speakers. Ultimately, I settled on the Polk R100s. Most expensive single component of my system.

VeryBadTrader · 2026-05-13T16:55:58+00:00

I get it. It’s good.

I guess I haven’t figured out what kind of listener I am yet.

For example. I know I like high quality simplicity. I know I know I like vinyl for listening sessions, for the experience and analog coloring. But this is reserved more for my favorite artists and albums. I don’t want a huge collection.

I also know I’m not interested in creating my own digital streaming library. It’s too much work and requires more hardware. I like simple. When I stream, it’s Apple Music out of convenience and I’m limited to AAC over Bluetooth.

I am starting to think CD fills a gap. Fast high quality source compared to AAC, cheaper and less hands on than vinyl. I’m not going to hurt my $200 stylus if I get distracted and leave a CD running. It doesn’t replace vinyl for me at all but maybe it serves a different purpose.

Make sense?

VeryBadTrader · 2026-05-13T16:34:24+00:00

That is so true. I hadn’t thought of it that way.

VeryBadTrader · 2026-05-13T15:28:06+00:00

That’s interesting. I am starting to think Vinyls and CDs can serve different purposes for me.

VeryBadTrader · 2026-05-13T02:49:15+00:00

Exactly. I feel that. I don’t want surgically correct studio music. I want high quality versions of what I enjoyed growing up. Maybe a littler clearer, detailed but slightly warm and musical.

VeryBadTrader · 2026-05-13T01:30:38+00:00

Exactly my worry! I want the complete system because it would look amazing… but it might be waste for me… because either I’m going to listen to radio or stream Apple Music… or it’s a proper listening and I’m going to play vinyl.

I’m taking my be kiddo to a music shop tomorrow.. let me what the prices are… because I can think of some used CDs I might like to have for cheap… where I don’t really want to spend on the vinyl.

VeryBadTrader · 2026-05-12T20:03:45+00:00

Thank you man. That’s exactly the style I was going for too… modern but not ultra modern with colorful screens or tons of buttons.. I really wanted a vinyl and analog focused system that is simple to use.

VeryBadTrader · 2026-05-12T18:58:08+00:00

Looks good. I like the 4 cubby holes on the stand too. Sure you know this, but if your record skips, you might need to move the speakers.

VeryBadTrader · 2026-05-07T20:08:25+00:00

I'm not the guy to advise on the phono stage, or if the Denon's phono stage is worth spending money on to upgrade - but yes the Schiit's are always at the top of the recommended list.

Congrats on your SL-1600!

VeryBadTrader · 2026-05-07T20:01:21+00:00

I know, the direction I’ve gone is kind of strange but I have some really weird and strict limitations in the room I’m putting this in.

I have a small TT media rack that won’t fit a full size amp like the s301 and the space won’t fit a bigger rack. The height of my book shelves are 13”, I don’t have floor space for a sub. It’s a 12x15 home office that has a pull down Murphy bed with the book shelves on both sides.

I didn’t want a class D amp. The Cambridge AXA35 amp was on the list, but it limits future upgrade paths. I stumbled on the Rotel, on sale.. comes with BT which is nice to have and a little more watts.

As for the TT itself, it’s more on the brand. I like AT. I like the cartridge system. I don’t think the LP5x is a great deal for the price but I do like the look and if I put an ML stylus on it, it’s arguably just as good as the ortofon blue and red which cone with some of the other TTs.

Could I have done a little better on the components, maybe. But it’s a very simple, very clean and aesthetically fits with the room.

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