New CD Player?

[Dave B]

I currently have an old 90's Technics SL-PS670A CD Player with a Yamaha RN803D tuner and Monitor Audio Silver 300 speakers. I am pretty happy with the performance but wondered if there would be benefit in upgrading the CD player or should I stick with the Technics? Any recommendations for upgrade appreciated also. Thank you.

 

[12th Monkey]

I suspect the DAC in the CDP could be bettered, but whether you'd prefer the sound is another matter. Are you anywhere near a store that would allow a demo, preferably at home? Any ideas about budget, or how you think the sound could be improved?

 

[Dave B]

I suspect the DAC in the CDP could be bettered, but whether you'd prefer the sound is another matter. Are you anywhere near a store that would allow a demo, preferably at home? Any ideas about budget, or how you think the sound could be improved?

Thanks, it is difficult to get demos currently, the instore demo I had for speakers and amp wasn't really that helpful but I am very happy with the Yamaha and MA speakers which I ended up purchasing. The best sound quality I am getting currently is from high quality Internet radio channels from the Yamaha. It seems to give more depth and width to the sound compared to the CDP and the TT which I have. Not sure if that description helps. I doubt that going much north of £600 would be worthwhile given the price bracket of my other components.

 

[Al ears]

The Yamaha has a very capable DAC internally and digital inputs so I suggest you would be better off simply buying a transport such as the excellent Audiolab 6000CDT, yours for £400. Sorted!

 

[Basso]

You could maybe try the optical out from the CD into the Yamaha to use the Yamaha DAC? Might be a low cost solution but definitely worth comparing with a new transport if you have the cash set aside.

 

[Dave B]

The Yamaha has a very capable DAC internally and digital inputs so I suggest you would be better off simply buying a transport such as the excellent Audiolab 6000CDT, yours for £400. Sorted!

Great suggestion, thank you!

 

[Dave B]

You could maybe try the optical out from the CD into the Yamaha to use the Yamaha DAC? Might be a low cost solution but definitely worth comparing with a new transport if you have the cash set aside.

Thank you, I will have a look at this. I suspect the CDP doesn't have a digital out but will check.

 

[Basso]

Thank you, I will have a look at this. I suspect the CDP doesn't have a digital out but will check.

I had a quick look on line and was surprised to see that it does (if I was looking at the correct one)

 

[Dave B]

Thanks, yes you are correct. Optical output, I have my TV sound connected to the amp via optical so will try a comparison exercise! Thanks again.

 

[bigfish786]

It’s definitely worth trying the optical out first before spending any money. The Audiolab CD transport has had some really good reviews so is probably the next option to look at.
don’t worry, we will help you spend all your money 🤣

 

[Dave B]

Thank you!

 

[Dave B]

I currently have an old 90's Technics SL-PS670A CD Player with a Yamaha RN803D tuner and Monitor Audio Silver 300 speakers. I am pretty happy with the performance but wondered if there would be benefit in upgrading the CD player or should I stick with the Technics? Any recommendations for upgrade appreciated also. Thank you.

 

[Dave B]

Thanks all for your helpful comments and advice. I tried the optical output and a direct comparison between the CD DAC and the Yamaha DAC. I could not discern any difference. Both are "good"! That may say more about me and my old ears than anything else I think I will stick with what I have for now and look at the Audiolab CDT if the old Technics breaks down.

 

[matthewpianist]

If you do still want to explore a new CD player I can wholeheartedly recommend the Rotel CD11 Tribute. Your Technics player is very good (I had one some time ago) but the Rotel would give you greater clarity and a more punchy sound. It isn't remotely embarrassed by my Naim amplifier.

 

[Dave B]

If you do still want to explore a new CD player I can wholeheartedly recommend the Rotel CD11 Tribute. Your Technics player is very good (I had one some time ago) but the Rotel would give you greater clarity and a more punchy sound. It isn't remotely embarrassed by my Naim amplifier.

Thank you for that recommendation!