Help Shape Our Upcoming CD Player for 2024

[Joe Smith]

I would hope for something other than a loading tray (perhaps a top loader or a vertical loader (like many cassette decks, in both cases the ability to see the spinning disk (a part of the vinyl experience).

This would probably add to the cost (like the SMSL model) but would be cool, no doubt. The "slot" cd load on the Audiolab player is cool but I worry about longevity/scratching, would rather have one with a tray than a slot-loader.

 

[Brian Hall]

Does it really? There are hundreds available on the used market that aren't even that old. If you include DVD and Blu-Ray players, the number multiplies, and those are even newer. Plus, they're incredibly cheap - you can get one from a reputable brand for as little as $25 to $50.

Of course there may be a point if you want a brand new one.

The part that is missing from most is "compact". Most CD players/transports are still full sized and don't fit in well on a desktop.

 

[Brian Hall]

Another issue with most existing CD players. Oversized remote controls. The largest remote control I have is for an Onkyo C-7030 CD player. It could easily be half the size and provide the same functionality.

 

[Jazz]

Buy the abandoned CD player tech from Oppo. Call it FossiO.

 

[rgpit]

How about forgetting a complete CD player and just provide a full featured case that you can drop a PC CD/DVD drive into? Features could include a remote, various analog and digital outputs, display, etc.

 

[mns3dhm]

If the CD drive itself is a piece of shit it doesn’t matter what the price is or what the feature set. Strongly suggest you use a StreamUnlimited metal drive and price the unit accordingly. I absolutely have no interest in another cheap disposable CD rig.

 

[Joe Smith]

If the CD drive itself is a piece of shit it doesn’t matter what the price is or what the feature set. Strongly suggest you use a StreamUnlimited metal drive and price the unit accordingly. I absolutely have no interest in another cheap disposable CD rig.

Although you kind of have that already with the "cost no object" transport from Schiit...

 

[EJ3]

The part that is missing from most is "compact". Most CD players/transports are still full sized and don't fit in well on a desktop.

I do not necessarily care that it is compact (although we have seen that there is a lot of air inside even very good to excellent older ones0.
And, smaller would be nice, as long as the insides are not getting too warm. Therefore, not too small.

 

[Doublej]

Although you kind of have that already with the "cost no object" transport from Schiit...

And Proj-ect

 

[Romario]

Best "sounding" cd player I had was the build like a tank heavy Chinese MHZS66 top loader with a tube output stage and XLR. It wasn't the most accurate though. But if Fosi wants to do something different, there it is.

 

[anibal66]

@NTTY published here in ASR a fantastic review of Denon DCD-900NE as "current reference budget CD player".

That same player inside a metal a case styled after a Playstation One (post #50), with transparent cover, would be great.

 

[Joe Smith]

It's kind of bizzare to me that the kind of simple cd player I envision (and that would be useful to me) is not being made.

The appearance of what I want - the item that comes closest is the Pro-Ject CD box, in black. Simple display, front panel control buttons so no remote required. But it's a slot loader, I would rather have a tray or top loader. And, no optical out, just coax. And just a bit too expensive.

I think if a Chinese manufacturer could deliver something like the CD Box, but with a simplified loading system, reliable & replaceable/current production laser, and with both coax and optical out, all for about $150 - 200, it would do very well.

 

[EJ3]

It's kind of bizzare to me that the kind of simple cd player I envision (and that would be useful to me) is not being made.

The appearance of what I want - the item that comes closest is the Pro-Ject CD box, in black. Simple display, front panel control buttons so no remote required. But it's a slot loader, I would rather have a tray or top loader. And, no optical out, just coax. And just a bit too expensive.

I think if a Chinese manufacturer could deliver something like the CD Box, but with a simplified loading system, reliable & replaceable/current production laser, and with both coax and optical out, all for about $150 - 200, it would do very well.

I need RCA out. And would like to be able to connect directly to my computer, also (however that is done).

 

[NTTY]

Does it really? There are hundreds available on the used market that aren't even that old. If you include DVD and Blu-Ray players, the number multiplies, and those are even newer. Plus, they're incredibly cheap - you can get one from a reputable brand for as little as $25 to $50.

Of course there may be a point if you want a brand new one.

My comments below under the assumption of wanting to play CD audio

Pay attention to fact that DVD players HDCP compatible must output a 44.1kHz digital signal.
In the case of a CD being played, it means the digital signal is likely to go through an ASRC even if there’s a unity 44.1kHz to 44.1kHz transformation. This process might generate distortion, typically due to intersample-overs. So you’re no longer “bit perfect” at the output.

With older DVD players, you should be safe though, and it would be easy to measure.