Cheap cd transport for the winter

[alaios]

Hi my cd transport has died and since I am in the process of making in the near future an "investment" in multiple components, I need something to make it in the next months.

I have found that one.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Cd_collectors/comments/17y5zww/they_cant_say_cds_cant_be_played_like_vinyl

what I liked is that it has optical port (SPDIF) which I understand that it should go directly to my DAC. If that is correct, the stupid volume knob at the device is not useful anymore (which is good) and I might be able to live with that unit for couple of months.

Any comments?
Am I missing something?
Alex

 

[Joe Smith]

For me, as a temporary fix, a used Sony DVD deck (such as the CD/DVP-NS300) would be a better choice...has both Coax and Optical out, front panel controls that do not require use of a remote... These are easy to find used, and are inexpensive and pretty robust.

 

[jcarys]

Agreed, just pick up any used CD or DVD player locally that has the digital outputs you need. I see them regularly for $25 or even less if you get lucky at a garage sale. I would check that it actually works correctly before purchase, but they're pretty hardy.

 

[DVDdoug]

My Sony CD/DVD/Blu-Ray player was less than $100 USD.

The potential downsides are:

There is no analog output. (I'm using HDMI and I don't remember if it has optical or coax).

There is no front panel display so you can't see the track number without a TV.

The front-panel controls are limited so you normally have to use the remote.

 

[Robin L]

This is what I'm using:

Sony Bdp-Bx57 Blu-ray for sale | eBay

Get the best deals for Sony Bdp-Bx57 Blu-ray at eBay.com. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items!

www.ebay.com

Notice that the price of this BluRay player ranges from a bit over $30 to around $120. I got mine at a thrift store for $8. Its got optical digital out along with HDMI and coax. You'll want the remote. What's really good is that it can play back SACDs - if you want surround, you'll need to use the HDMI out, probably into an AVR. With DVD-A things get a little trickier, you'll need a video monitor to see the track listing and to access the tracks. Won't play the high rez layer but will play the regular DVD layer so you still get the music. Not so good for BluRay audio, can't move from track to track, a real problem with discs like my set of the complete Beethoven string quartets. Probably one of the most cost-effective ways to listen to CDs, particularly if you've got an outboard DAC like my Topping E 30. This unit has an analog out in stereo, but my subjective take is that the sound is better when it's connected to a good DAC: