CD player for newbie

Hi there.

A friend of mine wants to buy his first ever hifi set and has asked me for help.
His budget is RM1k but he can be persuaded to spend more if necessary and there are factors worth considering (I'm guessing RM3k more or less).

Wrt the source, CD player, what would be good options for him to consider?

(1) Old used CDP eg. Marantz CD63, CD17, CD6000, etc (problem would be finding a reasonably good ones that doesn't require him to replace the lens so soon)

(2) DVD player as transport and an old used DAC (eg. Theta, Wadia)?

(3) New China-made CDPs eg. Shanling, etc.

(4) New budget, entry-level CDPs eg. Exposure 2010, etc.

Appreciate all of your suggestions & opinions.

Thanks.

Hi Alpha,
Is your friend from the younger generation? And has he got a lot of CDs to fool around with?
If the first answer is yes, and the 2nd answer is no; I would suggest to go for computer music la...
You might just require to have 1 or 2 additional equipments.
- USB to coaxial/Optical converter(If his PC doesnt have a coaxial digital out or the DAC to be isnt doing good job on USB input.)
- DAC.

If it is still wanting to look for a CDP, I suggest the entry level NAD.~

Thanks Adrian.

My friend's in his late 30s and not computer savvy. He's only got CDs (no LPs). So, I think pc-based music system will not be ideal for him (at least for now).

How much is the NAD? Who's the distributor/retailer? Better to go for used ones?

Hi Alpha...

My preference would be a NAD but each person has their own preference. I would suggest to you and your friend to go for a listening test at the various Hifi Outlets, namely at Amcorp Mall. There you can get to audition the NAD's, the emerging markets CD players ( China ) and other brands.

You also can have used / second hand equipments that are being sold in this forum / "mudah.com.my" or during the weekend flea market at Amcorp Mall.

After which you or your friend can make an informed decision.

cheers

for 1-3k to get a full setup or just the cdp?

if full setup then just use a dvdp then look for 2nd hand amp and speaker.

Hi Alpha,
I am sorry, I do not check the model code; but I am sure NAD does have few very good value CDPs around. I have seen it in Amcorp Mall.

It is not like those days, there isn’t much to choose from nowadays for CDP, as it is truly dying.. except you are looking for a serious pro version. Although DVD, Bluray player from those famous Japanese brands can be considered, but I am not sure whether they do make digital out for SP/DIF data. If yes, this would be the cheapest option~

Second hand model and brands that you mentioned earlier can be considered too. But then again, like some mechanical things, they don’t grow old gracefully. Moving parts can malfunction anytime. And most of them have gone through 1 or 2 rounds of repair. Shoddy repairs can make it unpredictable.

But whatever the case, please get CDP with Digital out.. it is important for future upgrade.

If budget is allowed. Must try Micromega cd 20. One of the best in this price range.

Sorry for the confusion. The budget of RM1-3k is only for the CDP.

Which shop in Amcorp mall carries NAD?

alphadog467 wrote:Sorry for the confusion. The budget of RM1-3k is only for the CDP.

Which shop in Amcorp mall carries NAD?

A&L Audio ...1st floor...and Hiway Laser located in PJ carries NAD as well...


cheers

alphadog,

Alternative way is look for a good DAC (e.g 1541A with tube output, and so on) and temporary using DVDP as transpot.

for the DVDP (e.g pioneer), can try pick the signal direct from the DSP Chip/IC into coxial and spend
This compo will sound better than a lot CDP, and later when upgrade still can remain the DAC.

philips cd 100