CD or DVD?

[admin_exported]

hi folks,

I'm a rookie, so go easy...

I'm updating my out-dated system and need some advice. Firstly the CD player.

I want a budget player to handle CDs and compilation MP3 discs

I'm thinking of something like the NAD C515 or Harmon Kardon 980.

But then I thought, a DVD player will also do this - should I be more modern in my thinking and be buying a DVD player instead?

Will I get similar sound for similar money, but more longevity and flexibility? or not?

Thanks

mark

An old chestnut perhaps...

 

[RCduck7]

Well, a seperate CD player will in most cases sound better, but since your suggesting Harman Kardon i would opt for the HD990 instead of the 980 becausse the 990 can be used as a standalone DAC to if you wish to play for example music files stored on a HDD with good quality.

 

[chebby]

http://whathifi.com/Review/Cambridge-Audio-Azur-650BD/

Does the lot.

Or wait for Panasonic's new range of BluRay/DVD/HDD/FreeviewHD recorders due to hit your shops soon. (You effectively get every format and Freeview radio/FreeviewHD telly and an internal HDD to record onto and iPlayer etc etc.)

If you are not bothered about BluRay or HD then £290 will get you a Panasonic DMR-EX83 (with standard Freeview and built in HDD etc)

Plug the digital audio (optical) output into a decent £250 DAC like a DacMagic or Beresford Caiman (or Musical Fidelity V-Dac for £150) and I doubt you will notice much difference with any dedicated CD player under £500.

 

[Frank Harvey]

RCduck7:Well, a seperate CD player will in most cases sound better, but since your suggesting Harman Kardon i would opt for the HD990 instead of the 980 becausse the 990 can be used as a standalone DAC to if you wish to play for example music files stored on a HDD with good quality.

I'll second this. I've never found a DVD player to match the audio quality of a good, dedicated CD player, even if it's only used to send out a digital signal. Even in an AV system, the CD player will usually win through.