which cd changer for $300 - Axiom Message Boards

What is a good 5 disk cd changer for about $300. My old JVC konked out after 16 years. I just got new M60's, and I basically listen to Rock.

Well, if you can swing $350, this might be the way to go.

Onkyo DV-CP802, SACD/DVD-A changer. No HDMI, DVI, but apparently a pretty good changer. One issue: random mode does not remember which tracks it has played before.

Note, I haven't used it, but I do kind of want one. Well, really want one.

There aren't a lot of universal changers out there, this is one, and Yamaha makes 2 others, which are reputed to be quite slow, but are well regarded in terms of video quality.

If you're just looking for a CD Changer for $300, well, I've got one here I can sell you... actually, it's probably the same model you had!

CD changers, unless you're tossing in DVD-X functionality or SACD are generally pretty cheap these days.

I really like my Sony mega-changers. No SACD/DVDA, but the variety and convenience are astounding.

Well, you can get an SACD megachanger. Likely more than $300, though.

I don't really need a mega changer, my old JVC played 6 cd's, and that was plenty for what I listen to. I just want something decent, and I don't have a clue on what's out there to buy.

The Sony '85' changer model is well regarded. Has HDMI output and upconversion up to 780 or 1080i.

Yamaha makes some also, but they cost a good amount more, but some of their models offer SACD and DVDA capability.

CM, welcome. While you may not "really need" a mega-changer, don't overlook the advantages of being able to store all your CDs and select any of them by pressing a couple of buttons.

How is Marantz, compared to Sony and Yamaha? Would the sound be any better? I've been reading different forums, and I see Marantz mentioned alot.

More expensive, for a start. It is unlikely to sound any better, and won't if you're planning on using the digital outs. While there is potential for a different sound depending on the DAC, with CDs being as mature as they are, it is unlikely you will hear any difference.

If you get a CDP with a tube output, all bets are off. But I think those tend to be a bit out of your budget.

Note, there will be people who disagree with me.

If all you're looking for is a CD player, check out this Marantz for only $130 (normally sells for $299). It's got a 1 yr factory warantee and you can buy another couple of years cheaply. A 5 CD changer, and I've always liked the Marantz sound. Smooth.... I got my DVD player from them and it was absolutely brand new; probably a return. Never a problem or hiccup. I've had Marantz for years, currently using their HT receiver. Good luck in your search!

I was looking at that Marantz yesterday. The Sony's are too big for my cabinet, and that Marantz will just fit. It got some good reviews too. I'm a little nervous about a refubished though? Then again the price is great. I think I'll try it out. Thanks

Although a little more money, I would suggest a Squeezebox.

http://slimdevices.com/

With lossless encoding of files, it is CD quality, and you can have an unlimited number of CDs at your fingers without actually touching the discs....I currently have close to 300 discs available to me.

I second the Squeezebox nomination. If you have a home network this thing is just about the best toy to come down the pike in a long time. Very good D/A chips, Burr Brown 24 bit I believe and great sound. Supports all kinds of formats and works great. I use mine wired over gigabit ethernet, not wireless and have never had a problem. Over time I can see it replacing my CD player for most listening. However, and not to flame the MP3, AAC, FLAC, etc etc, at what ever bit rate, etc etc....sounds as good as CD argument.....BUT....I have done side by side blind listening tests and there is a difference. VERY slight, but it is there. I encode most of my music at either 320 or VBR 0 depending on the music and ripper. I can hear no difference between a 320 MP3 or FLAC, but both of those are better than AAC. Most people cannot tell the difference. But a good CD transport / player with a well Engineered CD played over a good system is still going to sound better. Albeit very slight. So for new music that I buy it still goes in the CD player. After I've heard it a while it gets ripped to the server and the CD gets stored away.

BTW, the thing also coneects seemlesly with Pandora. www.pandora.com which is also very cool if you have broadband. Program music that you like. it's a 128k stream and it sounds very good for internet music. Not as good as CD yet but I bet that changes in a couple of years.

Cmeb,

Sony has been building reliable CD changer mechansisms for decades. I'd second the comments of TomTuttle and JohnK. I've been very happy with the two 301-disc CD megachangers I've been using for 3 or 4 years now and there is absolutely no difference in sound quality from much more expensive boutique brands.

The Sony CX-355 is astonishingly inexpensive--about $149 at J&R. Plus they never repeat tracks on shuffle play and the cross-fade feature can be wildly entertaining.

Regards,

But no DVD-A....

Quote:

I second the Squeezebox nomination. If you have a home network this thing is just about the best toy to come down the pike in a long time. Very good D/A chips, Burr Brown 24 bit I believe and great sound. Supports all kinds of formats and works great. I use mine wired over gigabit ethernet, not wireless and have never had a problem. Over time I can see it replacing my CD player for most listening. However, and not to flame the MP3, AAC, FLAC, etc etc, at what ever bit rate, etc etc....sounds as good as CD argument.....BUT....I have done side by side blind listening tests and there is a difference. VERY slight, but it is there. I encode most of my music at either 320 or VBR 0 depending on the music and ripper. I can hear no difference between a 320 MP3 or FLAC, but both of those are better than AAC. Most people cannot tell the difference. But a good CD transport / player with a well Engineered CD played over a good system is still going to sound better. Albeit very slight. So for new music that I buy it still goes in the CD player. After I've heard it a while it gets ripped to the server and the CD gets stored away.

BTW, the thing also coneects seemlesly with Pandora. www.pandora.com which is also very cool if you have broadband. Program music that you like. it's a 128k stream and it sounds very good for internet music. Not as good as CD yet but I bet that changes in a couple of years.

I'll say that if you rip into a lossless format, and use the same DACs.....it will be even less than a slight difference.