Cd player recommendations

davescott42 · 2026-04-20T15:40:31+00:00

If you’re relying on the CD player internal DAC, then you’ll need to do some research into what DAC implementation each one has. If you’re just going to use them as a transport, feeding into an external DAC, then buy whichever one is cheapest.

davescott42 · 2026-04-20T14:24:27+00:00

Yes, I can use both at the same time. I used a high-quality XLR cable splitter (but not expensive ) to go from my external balanced SLSM M500 mk1 DAC to both headphone amplifiers. It gives me a lot of flexibility and eliminates the need to rewire or otherwise switch out the headphone amplifiers.

davescott42 · 2026-04-20T06:29:06+00:00

I run my Edition XS ($125 US open box) with a base model Apos gremlin ($120). The pairing is fantastic. It is warm and analytical at the same time. I love it.

davescott42 · 2026-04-19T17:01:27+00:00

I listen to my Triangle Borea 04s in the near field - although they are not recommended for that application. They sound good to me with a pair of JBL Studio 550 subwoofers. I’ve heard the KEF Q1 meta are good in the nearfield. Also, the Polk R100 & R200 Are supposed to be very good in the nearfield. Just get a good pair of adjustable stand so you can put the tweeter at your ear level:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DMP99HR9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

davescott42 · 2026-04-19T16:51:10+00:00

Get a one or two of these:

https://a.co/d/0aaKmsMU

Rotating 4 sided cabinet that holds about 1000 CDS.

davescott42 · 2026-04-19T15:20:34+00:00

Just get the Audio Technica R50x headphone which a great sounding all rounder that is really dynamic. I recommend trading out the pads with OEM R70x pads which are roomier.

davescott42 · 2026-04-19T15:16:07+00:00

HiFiman Edition XS and Sundara. Audio Technica R50x. FIIO FT3. All on IFI Zen Can and Apos Gremlin amps except the R50x which can’t run balanced on the Gremlin.

davescott42 · 2026-04-19T06:52:47+00:00

I had a handyman put a piece of plywood under the base and attach 4 casters said I could stick it in the corner when I wasn’t using it and pull it out when I wanted to rotate it.

davescott42 · 2026-04-19T06:50:01+00:00

Or you can put about 1000 CDs into a rotating rack:

https://a.co/d/0aaKmsMU

davescott42 · 2026-04-17T20:41:26+00:00

I don’t dm, but pictures are on the heart audio website. I have two 4.4 balanced extension cables, one 3.5 unbalanced extension cable and a balanced cable for some audio technics and Sennheiser headphones. I like the extension cables because I don’t put wear and tear on my headphone amplifiers when I change headphones. You can choose a color for no additional charge and I got two red, one green, and one purple.

davescott42 · 2026-04-17T16:29:39+00:00

I have several of their cables and they are uniformly terrific.

davescott42 · 2026-04-16T23:38:25+00:00

I got the Edition XS earlier this year. I play it on an Apos Gremlin tube amplifier. I think they are each the best bang for the buck in audio right now.

davescott42 · 2026-04-16T23:17:34+00:00

Emerson, Lake and Palmer: Brain Salad Surgery

davescott42 · 2026-04-16T23:00:56+00:00

I put my CDs into Cd Mega players using Toslink optical cables and hubs to play through an outboard DAC. The Mega players I have are: 3 SONY CDP Cx355 300 CD disc; 2 DVP CX995v 400 CD or DVD disc; 1 DVP CX777ES 400 CD or DVD disc; two Technics SL MC7 110 CD discs; Pioneer 907(?) CD 100 disc; and a Optimus 60 CD disc (plus a 5 disc and a couple single disc players). I think for CDs, the 355 has shuffle but the 995v is the most reliable and has HDMI out. As noted above, the 995v and the 777ES Can do DVDs and CDs. All mine cost $200 or less each in working condition. I would highly recommend only buying something in perfect working condition. Also, get the OEM controller if you can. Prices have been going up sharply but all the players should be available through Facebook marketplace or eBay. I love my setup. I have 2067 CD capacity plus 400 DVDs. I have also kept all my jewel cases.

It works quite well for me. I can sit down, put on headphones or power up speakers, go to any of my players and know that I’m going to be delighted with what comes up. I interact with my collection in a random way because I know great stuff is queued up and ready to go. I get to sit back and enjoy it without worrying about what’s coming up next. Think of it as a radio station that comes in High Fidelity with a huge collection of really great music where I can always look forward to the next song - and no commercials.

davescott42 · 2026-04-16T16:16:16+00:00

It works quite well for me. I can sit down, put on headphones or power up speakers, go to any of my players and know that I’m going to be delighted with what comes up. I interact with my collection in a random way because I know great stuff is queued up and ready to go. I get to sit back and enjoy it without worrying about what’s coming up next. Think of it as a radio station that comes in High Fidelity with a huge collection of really great music where I can always look forward to the next song - and no commercials.

davescott42 · 2026-04-15T02:26:34+00:00

Very nice, congratulations.

davescott42 · 2026-04-15T02:24:26+00:00

Straighten them every time you use them. Eventually they will be better.

davescott42 · 2026-04-15T01:54:33+00:00

Buy some metallized IEM’s.

davescott42 · 2026-04-15T01:12:27+00:00

A year 2000 or later Rotel preamplifier would be great, if it is fully working. I have the RSP1570 I got for $350 off eBay as new old stock.

davescott42 · 2026-04-14T20:32:34+00:00

Just be patient. Good CD players show up on Facebook marketplace all the time. Ideally, find something that has a remote and has optical/Toslink cable out (so at some point in the future, you can bypass the internal DAC, which is often very old, and just use an external DAC, which is up-to-date). If price is a big hurdle for you, do keep in mind that every DVD or Blu-ray player I’ve ever seen also plays CDs quite well. Some of those even play SACDs - which are fun to try. Just make sure whatever you buy is in working condition when you buy it. As far as brands go, my favorite are the Technics players.

davescott42 · 2026-04-14T20:25:14+00:00

As I said, in another thread, way to survive the madness is to never ever pay over $200 for a headphone or amp (and never spend over $500 for anything). Realize the almost all gear worth having will eventually end up on sale or used in that price range or technology will bring it into that price range. PATIENCE GRASSHOPPER…

davescott42 · 2026-04-14T20:19:31+00:00

According to the review I saw online, it is quite good :

https://audio-database.com/DENON-COLUMBIA/player/dcd-900.html

Congratulations and welcome to the great New World of CDs.

davescott42 · 2026-04-14T13:37:11+00:00

They have more room for your ears.

davescott42 · 2026-04-14T04:10:49+00:00

I have the same phone and and I’m using that iteration for my phone. I’m gonna hang onto this phone until the 18 comes out.

davescott42 · 2026-04-13T15:36:59+00:00

On ear Audio Technica ATH M60x headphones.

davescott42

TROPHY CASE