Advice for а CD player

[Valery]

Hello everyone. I have a Yamaha CD-S303 and I'm really happy with it. I'm looking for a second CD player and I'm wondering whether to get the same CD-S303 or consider some Cambridge Audio models, or what else you would suggest for around €500/€600. Thank you.

 

[twinkletoes]

For whats its worth I havent had alot of luck with Cambridge Audio CD players. My office one crapped out after year, it mostly just sits there. As I say take it for what it's worth.

You can get some fantastic deals second hand that arnt that old, some that sold for many times the budget your currently suggesting. If you have a DAC id even explore the often overlooked DVD player second market and us it as as transport into a DAC. DVD player can start as low as 20 quid and some make CD players in there own right. just food for thought is all.

New id be looking audiolab the 7000cdt Nice tidy player

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[Steve983]

I have both the Cambridge AXC35 and the Marantz CD6007 and would say the Marantz has the better sound so would suggest you go for the CD6007 or the CD60 if you can run to it. On the other band if you know you already like the Yamaha then get another but only your ears can tell you for sure.

 

[Al ears]

Why Cambridge models? Have you auditioned any?
If not better to stick with those you actually know like the Yamaha.
I quite like the Denon CD players like the DCD-900ne, built like tanks and excellent sound

 

[matthewpianist]

I have a CD-S303 here, and I think it's the best of the current affordable crop.

 

[Valery]

Why Cambridge models? Have you auditioned any?
If not better to stick with those you actually know like the Yamaha.
I quite like the Denon CD players like the DCD-900ne, built like tanks and excellent sound

I haven't had the chance to audition any Cambridge Audio models; I just like the way they look.

 

[ToppingSMSL]

Get a used Rotel.

 

[Valery]

I have both the Cambridge AXC35 and the Marantz CD6007 and would say the Marantz has the better sound so would suggest you go for the CD6007 or the CD60 if you can run to it. On the other band if you know you already like the Yamaha then get another but only your ears can tell you for sure.

There aren't many options to audition CD players where I live, which is why I'm asking here.

 

[Al ears]

There aren't many options to audition CD players where I live, which is why I'm asking here.

If you like your current Yamaha buy another one...
always better to buy something you are familiar and happy with.
Buying a different brand might turn out to be a retrograde step if you cannot audition first.

 

[ToppingSMSL]

There aren't many options to audition CD players where I live, which is why I'm asking here.

imo you dont need to audition CD players. They should all sounds the same if they're designed properly. Just go for one you like the look of and that seems well built.

 

[Al ears]

I am not too sure why @ToppingSMSL should think they all sound the same, they don't.
However not sure what sort of set-up you will be using for this second CD player.
You may fancy a change but nobody here can tell you what's good for you.
You clearly enjoy what you are getting out of the Yamaha so simply buy another one.
Buying different may lead to disappoint.

 

[ToppingSMSL]

I am not too sure why @ToppingSMSL should think they all sound the same, they don't.
However not sure what sort of set-up you will be using for this second CD player.
You may fancy a change but nobody here can tell you what's good for you.
You clearly enjoy what you are getting out of the Yamaha so simply buy another one.
Buying different may lead to disappoint.

Look at how they measure. Distortions are well below the hearing theshold. Audiophiles have been conditioned into hearing differences that are not there.

 

[Covenanter]

I've auditioned a number of CD player over the years. I've always bought Marantz. I've not heard the CD6007 but it gets excellent reviews and is in your price range. I don't think you can get wrong by buying it.

 

[ToppingSMSL]

Auditioning CD players is pointless as you will tend to favour the louder one. The output voltages of two different CD players are very unlikely to be exactly the same. If one is slightly louder you will hear more detail and may thing the bass is more powerful etc. one of the most pointless products to audition in a dealer.

Speakers are about the only thing worth auditioning and even then it won't be the same as your own room.

 

[Stuart.W.D]

imo you dont need to audition CD players. They should all sounds the same if they're designed properly. Just go for one you like the look of and that seems well built.

Not all modern CD players sound the same. While the general function of CD players is to read and convert the digital data on a CD into an analog signal for output, various factors can cause slight differences in sound quality between different models.

One of the key factors is the quality of the Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). The DAC is responsible for converting the digital audio data into an analog signal, and a higher-quality DAC can produce cleaner, more detailed sound with less distortion or jitter (timing errors).

The circuitry and internal components of the player, such as capacitors, resistors, and op-amps, also influence the sound. Higher-quality components tend to reduce noise and unwanted interference, which can improve audio performance.

A stable and clean power supply ensures the player’s circuitry gets the right voltage, helping to minimize any noise or distortion that could affect the audio. The physical build quality of the player, including shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI), can also make a difference. Cheaper players may not shield as effectively, potentially leading to unwanted noise or distortion.

The design of the output stage—where the audio signal is sent to speakers or an amplifier can have an impact too. Some players use more refined analog stages or balanced outputs, which can enhance clarity and dynamics.

Finally, while less significant in modern players, the transport mechanism (the way the CD is read) can also affect sound. Higher-end players usually have more stable and accurate transports, reducing errors that might impact playback quality.

Though these differences in sound can be subtle and subjective, audiophiles often prefer higher-end players because these elements contribute to a more detailed and richer listening experience.

 

[Stuart.W.D]

Hello everyone. I have a Yamaha CD-S303 and I'm really happy with it. I'm looking for a second CD player and I'm wondering whether to get the same CD-S303 or consider some Cambridge Audio models, or what else you would suggest for around €500/€600. Thank you.

You like the Yamaha sound. The Yamaha CD-S1000 remains a great deal in the second hand market, due to its solid build quality, long-lasting durability, and excellent sound performance. Despite being an older model, it still offers a rich, detailed sound that can outperform many budget-friendly new players. Buying it second-hand allows you to get a high-quality piece of audio equipment at a much lower price than its original cost. Its timeless design fits well into modern setups, and it still provides valuable features like balanced outputs. Despite the decline of high-quality CD players, the CD-S1000 remains a quality player.

 

[twinkletoes]

Finally, while less significant in modern players, the transport mechanism (the way the CD is read) can also affect sound. Higher-end players usually have more stable and accurate transports, reducing errors that might impact playback quality.

Unfortunately today this not a given at all, they're some very expensive players out there with very agricultural transports from the likes of Sanyo in side of them. Just a sign of the times. The term "they dont make them like they used to" very much applies here.

 

[ToppingSMSL]

Not all modern CD players sound the same. While the general function of CD players is to read and convert the digital data on a CD into an analog signal for output, various factors can cause slight differences in sound quality between different models.

One of the key factors is the quality of the Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). The DAC is responsible for converting the digital audio data into an analog signal, and a higher-quality DAC can produce cleaner, more detailed sound with less distortion or jitter (timing errors).

The circuitry and internal components of the player, such as capacitors, resistors, and op-amps, also influence the sound. Higher-quality components tend to reduce noise and unwanted interference, which can improve audio performance.

A stable and clean power supply ensures the player’s circuitry gets the right voltage, helping to minimize any noise or distortion that could affect the audio. The physical build quality of the player, including shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI), can also make a difference. Cheaper players may not shield as effectively, potentially leading to unwanted noise or distortion.

The design of the output stage—where the audio signal is sent to speakers or an amplifier can have an impact too. Some players use more refined analog stages or balanced outputs, which can enhance clarity and dynamics.

Finally, while less significant in modern players, the transport mechanism (the way the CD is read) can also affect sound. Higher-end players usually have more stable and accurate transports, reducing errors that might impact playback quality.

Though these differences in sound can be subtle and subjective, audiophiles often prefer higher-end players because these elements contribute to a more detailed and richer listening experience.

I guess you've never looked at DAC measurements then. Go take a look. DACs are measured at the RCA or balanced outputs of the DAC unit, not at the DAC chip outputs. So all those capacitors etc that you talk so eagerly about have had the signal go through them. Changing one of those is not going to make an audible difference at all.