CD Player

Anyone here still use a CD Player as their primary source or have most moved to computer audio?

I'm using a simple Philips DVD player for my headphone setup and will soon add a DAC.

-Tim

 

erc-3 is a really nice player for 400 bux

 

I've had my eye on this. Looks like a solid build and has AES out. Looks like the older transports can be had for cheaper sometimes, but the CD tray mechanisms are prone to failure. And they tend to not have AES out. I hope the ERC3's internal D/A is at least good enough to run subwoofer duties. Do you own or have direct experience?

 

Here is a vid about. Its also on sale right now.

No direct experience but based off emotivas track record im sure its a solid product.

The analog section seems based off the dc-1 so if that is any indication it is a solid dac.

The aes and balanced analog outs are nice features.

 

If you're going to add a DAC soon , you might want to consider also adding a Syncro Mesh reclocker from Empitrical Audio to the mix.

DVD players normally clock the digital output of CDs differently than a CD player / transport does which ends up creating a little bit of "jitter" to the signal that the DAC will be seeing. A digital signal with lower jitter normally has a much cleaner treble response & the lower frequencies are also more distinct.

When I play CDs through my Consonance Cd 120 linear CD player I output the signal from my player through the Snycro Mesh (which includes a switch for 24 bit) to my Metrum Hex DAC. I prefer the sound of the Stereo CD layer to the actual SACD layer played through any of my SACD players. (In all fairness though none of these players has a DAC inside of them anywhere as good as the Metrum DAC).

YMMV

 

For me a CD player is essential. I never got on board with paying money for a download, I need to physically own something when I buy music. As long as I own CDs I plan on playing them as well. As great as a computer is I would rather have a standalone music player and don't want to boot up the computer if all I want is music.

Currently I am trying to figure out whether I should get a really good CD player or if I spend my money on a really good DAC and feed it with a basic DVD player or a DIY solution. Right now I am starting to think that I am better off getting a Schiit Bifrost MB + $50 DVD player rather then getting a $650 CD player.

 

I am thinking along the same lines @Cspirou.