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Questions on improvements in CD players

#1
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2/8/08 at 12:59pm
  • Joined: February 2008
  • Post Count: 1
In recent years, there has been much discussion of superior picture achieved through new technologies/product lines (High definition, blue-ray DVD players, etc., and all sorts of cables), but I'm wondering about any improvements in sound generated by CD player components for stereos.

I've just ordered a new A/V Receiver (Yamaha RX-797) and new speakers (Polk Audio LSi9s) for music listening purposes. I still have a fairly typical (cheap) Sony CD player component for my system that I purchased in 1993. It still works and sounds fine with my current components (Sony STR-D990 Receiver, Advent Baby II speakers), all purchased in 1993. As I upgrade my receiver and speakers, though, I'm wondering if there have been substantive advances in sound quality offered by CD players that have come out in the past 15 years to warrant my consideration in my quest to achieve the best possible sound within the constraints of a limited budget (say $200-$300). If there have been any improvements and you know of a particularly good brand/model, please let me know.

Second, are all RCA (Red and White) cables for connecting receivers to components essentially of the same quality, or are there any cables that offer a superior connection? (Again, this receiver will be used only for music listening; it will not be hooked up to a DVD player as I have a separate Home Theater System for that).

Thanks.
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#2
Rating: 0
2/8/08 at 1:52pm
  • Joined: October 2000
  • Post Count: 2,596

Re: Questions on improvements in CD players

It depends on what your definition of improvement is. Many who like HT and hook DVD players up to a rec'r via a digital out are satisfied with clean undistorted sound and would not be necessarily interested in some thing better. Better CD players will pay attention to the analog output stages, power supplies, etc. Hooking the CD player up to a rec'r in an 'analog direct' mode will enable you to evaluate differences in interconnects. As to the budget, at that point, I'd consider getting an outboard used DAC and getting a player (DVD or CD player) with a digital output to put into the DAC (which then gets connected via analog outs to the rec'r. At $200-300 that might be your biggest bang for the buck. You also could consider a used player and determine whether SACD and/or DVD-A are important to you. Marantz used (have not checked lately) to make a single disc CD player that was $300 list and supposed was very nice sounding for the money. I'd worry about the player 1st at that price point and worry about cabling later on.
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