Best VFM CD player in today's hot market

Posted by: sjw98 on 08 December 2016

Chaps 

I wanted to pose a bit of a question about what people thought was the best value for money naim CDP on the market at the moment. The second hand market is hugely active as we all know and there are bargains to be had, however some of the older players will definitely be needing services / getting to the end of their life. 

This ISN'T about best SQ out there... It's about best bang for buck in a hot second hand market. Let's say we have £1.5k to spend. Where do we go?

Any answers welcome: from the wonderful 3.5 + fc (which you can pick up for virtually nothing, but may be reaching the end of its life), to cds2. Cdx? Cd5xs? 

Indulge my curiosity please. In fact if anyone wants to bat in a few left field non-naim ones I'd be curious to hear your collective thoughts.

Steve

 

 

Posted on: 10 December 2016 by Emre

Did anybody listen the new Hegel Mohican?  I wonder how it compares to cd555 or cd2x

Posted on: 10 December 2016 by jon h
sjw98 posted:

Can those of you kind gentlemen suggesting a cds3 or 555, kindly read the brief, OR... I'm quite happy to accept donations

 

Cymbiosis recently listed a cds for a grand. 

Posted on: 11 December 2016 by Roadie Simon
Pev posted:

Absolutely - I'm way over 50 and I grew up with vinyl  and utterly resented having to buy a CD player because music started being issued on CD only. I have always detested the poxy plastic cases, unreadable sleeve notes and outrageous rip off pricing - they were £15 quid each 30 years ago. . 

 

 

Yes I'm the wrong side of 50 too, yes a complete turn around on prices. CDs are now "a few quid and LPs are now 15 quid plus some!

Posted on: 11 December 2016 by Antonio1

CDX2, absolutely.

And/Or CDS2 if still assisted.

Posted on: 11 December 2016 by Brubacca
b_lund posted:
sktn77a posted:
T38.45 posted:

personally, i wouldn't go for a CD player these days....if the lens/optic/mechanical part is defect you may run in supply problems.... just my 2cents....

 

Couldn't agree more.  Get a streamer and a NAS.  RIp your CDs with your computer (EAC or dbPowerAmp) and never look back.  Alternatively, an HDX may be within your budget.

I can't image i'd ever use a computer and streamer as main source

I believe  many older persons aged 50+ have similar view

I've grown up with vinyl and cd, its just a part of it getting the physical medie from shelf to player

Also I never heard any streamer comes even close to vinyl/cd performance, that includes some pretty expensive Linn or Naim ones, they didn't impress sorry to say.

I would only podcast if no other possible solution to hear a certain piece of music 

Third source here is FM

3 sources seem enough for me

Personally I typically use a streamer/DAC as my main source. I'm approaching 50 and most times it sounds great. The issue is that quite randomly the darn thing doesn't work. A reboot here or there usually brings it back, but it is a pain when you have to do it. 

Posted on: 11 December 2016 by yeti42
J.N. posted:

Now is the time to buy a used CD555. Watch what happens to the asking prices when the venerable silver disc spinner is no longer in production.

Fickle blighters; humans. Vinyl was supposed to be dead, over thirty years ago.

John.

and CD was supposed to be perfect sound forever 

Posted on: 11 December 2016 by Huge

Might not be perfect sound, but the data will now outlive me as all my CDs have been ripped to a NAS, and I have three backups, including one offsite!